The Impact of the Serum Level of Trace Elements on the Severity of Neuropathy in Type 2 Diabetic Patients.

Background: This study was designed in order to estimate the alterations in the levels of serum zinc, magnesium, and copper in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with diabetic peripheral neuropathy in comparison to those without neuropathy and their relation to duration of diabetes and glycemic control. Method: 71 patients with Type 2 diabetes were recruited and divided into 2 groups: Group 1: 47 patients with diabetic neuropathy and Group 2: 24 patients with type 2 diabetes without diabetic neuropathy. The presence and absence of neuropathy was assessed using neuropathy disability score and neuropathy symptom score. Full history and examination were taken from all participants. Neuropathy symptom score and neuropathy disability score were assessed. A blood sample was taken for measuring A1c, serum zinc, magnesium, and copper. Results: There was a significant difference between both groups as regard duration of diabetes and serum copper level (P value< 0.05). After performing linear regression analysis, the duration of Diabetes was the significant risk factor for diabetic neuropathy symptoms. On the other hand, there was no significant difference between the 2 groups as regard serum zinc, serum magnesium, glycated hemoglobin, age, sex, and hypertension. Conclusion: High serum CU and low serum Mg and Zn are not independent risk factors for diabetic neuropathy as previously thought, and its alterations in diabetic patients may be due to the hyperglycemia itself. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]