Alteration of blood trace elements and electrolytes in diabetes

Alterations of trace elements and electrolyte levels were investigated in blood of 28 normal subjects and 30 patients with diabetes mellitus. The blood was analyzed for iron, copper, zine, lead, nickel, chromium, sodium, potassium and calcium. Concentration of chromium, zine and iron significantly decreased in blood of diabetic patients as compared to normal subjects. Concentrations of nickel and copper decreased also. No significant change was observed in the concentration of lead in normal and diabetic patients. Decreased levels of potassium and calcium and slightly increased level of sodium were observed in diabetic as compared to control subjects. The observed changes in trace elements and electrolyte levels in diabetic patients may have a role in the metabolic disorders that occur in diabetes. The possible role of altered trace elements and electrolytes in the symp-tomology of diabetes is discussed.