Evaluation of C - reactive protein, Zinc and Copper Concentrations in Type 2 Diabetic Mellitus Patients

Abstract

The serum concentrations of C -reactive protein (CRP), zinc and copper in type 2 diabetic mellitus patients were assessed in this study. Serum obtained from blood samples of 50 non-diabetic and 50 diabetic patients was used in determining serum CRP, zinc and copper concentrations. Results showed that the mean concentration of CRP was significantly (P<0.05) higher in the diabetic group (11.76±1.56 mg/l) compared with the non-diabetic (normal control) group (4.302±1.80 mg/l). The mean serum glucose of diabetic patients (12.44± 1.64 mmol/l) was higher (P<0.05) compared to the non-diabetic group (4.51± 0.30 mmol/l) confirming the diabetic and the non-diabetic status of the patients. More so, further investigations showed that the mean concentration of these micronutrients (zinc and copper) were significantly reduced in the diabetic group compared to the non-diabetic control group. Serum copper (13.09± 4.95) and zinc (0.49± 0.35) concentrations of the diabetic group were lower (P<0.05) when compared to the non-diabetic group (132.00± 9.61 and 0.90± 0.004 respectively). This study further affirms an association of insulin resistance and hyperglycemic states with inflammatory mechanisms in type 2 diabetes mellitus as demonstrated by a significant increase in CRP concentrations alongside it associated depletion of two micronutrients; copper and zinc in the type 2 diabetic group which are essential to various physiobiochemical processes