Diabetes and trace elements

Ionic or complex compounds of certain trace elements are essential for the proper functioning of the human body in numerous biochemical processes. Their absence or accumulation causes many health problems and diseases. In the past, trace elements have been thought to be a key factor in the treatment of insulin resistance and diabetes, however, the importance and lack of trace elements in the development of diabetes or the assessment of trace element status in the development and treatment of complications are still controversial. Therefore, the authors summarize the role of trace elements in the development, pathogenesis, and progression of diabetes. They briefly report on the most important known processes of zinc(II), manganese(II, III), copper(I, II), chromium(III), iron(II, III), cobalt(II), vanadium(III, IV, V), molybdenum(IV, VI), iodine(I), selenium(II, IV, VI), and lithium(I) in the human body and the biochemical changes associated with diabetes. Differences in trace element status in diabetes, their relationship to free radicals, and the antioxidant defense system are detailed. Some risk factors that lead to more severe micronutrient deficiencies and complications are also discussed.