Decrease in insulin secretion related to hypocalcemia induced by a high dose of zinc in rats

A single oral administration of zinc (Zn), sufficient to induce hypocalcemia, caused a decrease in glucose tolerance in fasted rats. This decrease resulted from reduction of insulin secretion. The restoration of Zn-induced hypocalcemia completely prevented the decrease in glucose tolerance and insulin secretion. These results suggest that the effect of Zn administration on insulin secretion in rats is a consequence of hypocalcemia.