Concentrations of trace metals in serum: Implications for type 2 diabetes mellitus and gender difference

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Trace metals play a pivotal role in maintaining normal and healthy physiology due to their various metabolic functions in humans. This study was performed to identify the association between trace metals and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) through a comparative analysis of serum samples from both healthy controls and T2DM patients. Additionally, we aim to explore the potential connection between gender differences and the concentration of trace metals in T2DM patients. The study included 103 participants, comprising 53 healthy controls and 50 T2DM patients, with blood samples stored at Eulji University Hospital (Daejeon, Korea). Serum concentrations of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), and selenium (Se) and chromium (Cr) levels were measured and statistically analyzed by t-tests and logistic regression after the outliers replaced by mean. In the overall participants, serum concentrations of Cu and Mn in T2DM group was significantly different compared to the control group (P < 0.01). Logistic regression analysis indicated that Cu, Se and Mn concentration was significantly different in T2DM patients than in healthy controls in adjusted for age and sex. When examining trace metal concentrations by gender difference, Se were significantly lower in T2DM men (P < 0.01), while T2DM women exhibited significantly higher levels of Zn, Se and Mn (P < 0.05). Especially in women, logistic regression analysis indicated that Cu, Se and Mn concentration was significantly different in T2DM patients than in healthy control (adjusted for age OR of Cu, 0.92; 95 % CI 0.87 - 0.98, adjusted OR of Se, 3.04; 95 % CI, 1.71 - 5.34; adjusted OR of Mn, 4.50; 95 % CI, 2.09 - 9.68). This study showed that trace metal imbalances related to Se and Mn in patients with T2DM were particularly relevant in women. It highlights the significance of gender difference and suggests the potential benefits of regular monitoring of trace metal concentrations in the management of T2DM patients.