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Zinc, insulin and diabetes
1Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism Section, VA Medical Center, Louisiana State University School of Medicine at Shreveport, USA.
Journal of the American College of Nutrition
|April 29, 1998
Summary
Diabetes and zinc (Zn) have a complex relationship. While Zn is vital for insulin, its deficiency may worsen diabetes complications, though its exact role remains unclear.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic Diseases
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Diabetes mellitus involves impaired insulin production (Type 1) or action (Type 2).
- Zinc (Zn) is crucial for insulin synthesis, storage, secretion, and stability.
- Diabetes disrupts zinc homeostasis, primarily through hyperglycemia-induced urinary losses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the intricate relationship between zinc and diabetes.
- To investigate the potential role of zinc deficiency in diabetes pathogenesis and complications.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and analysis of existing research on zinc and diabetes.
- Examination of zinc's role in insulin metabolism and antioxidant defense mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Hyperglycemia in diabetes leads to increased urinary zinc excretion and reduced total body zinc.
- Zinc deficiency may potentially exacerbate autoimmune damage in Type 1 diabetes.
- Reduced intracellular zinc and antioxidant enzyme activity may contribute to diabetes complications via oxidative stress.
Conclusions:
- A complex interrelationship exists between zinc and both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
- The precise role of zinc in the clinical management, prevention, or treatment of diabetes and its complications is currently unclear.