Levels of Serum Selenium and Zinc in Critically ill Type 2 Diabetics and Normal Healthy Individuals at Tertiary Care Hospital, Surat, India

Abstract

Introduction: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), accounting for 85-90% of diabetic subjects globally, is reported to be also caused by imbalance between pro-oxidant and antioxidant factors. This very fact necessitates exploring and evaluating the possibilities of role of various antioxidant trace elements like selenium and zinc, in further understanding the pathogenesis and appropriate applicable intervention required, if any for patients suffering from diabetes mellitus. The levels of trace elements like selenium and zinc, representing antioxidant capacity, might be implicated in development of type II diabetes and vice versa. Aim: To evaluate the levels of serum selenium and zinc in critically ill type 2 diabetic patients and comparing them with healthy individuals. Materials and Methods: This case-control study was conducted for a period of nine months from October 2016 to June 2017. Fifty critically ill type 2 diabetic patients and 150 apparently healthy age and gender matched controls were recruited into this study. Serum selenium and zinc levels were estimated in subjects of both the groups. Mean, standard deviation, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) test and student t-test were statistical tools used to interpret the results. Results: Fifty critically ill T2DM patients constituted the cases and 150 age and sex matched healthy adults were in the control group. Mean Random Blood Sugar (RBS) in controls was 113.14±25.52 mg/dL while in that in cases was 246.48±98 mg/dL and the difference was significant (p-value <0.01). This study showed significant difference (p<0.01) in the level of serum selenium and zinc levels in critically ill diabetic patients compared to healthy individuals across all age groups i.e., <40, 40 to 55 and >55 years. The mean level of selenium in cases and controls were 83.8±11.97 and 103.08±67.7 μg/dL (p-value <0.01) respectively. The mean level of zinc amongst cases and controls were 40.83±21.19 and 103.08±67.7 (p-value <0.01), respectively. Conclusion: Serum selenium and zinc levels were decreased in critically ill type 2 diabetic patients owing to the increased production of free radicals in them. Supplementation of selenium and zinc in these individuals could be beneficial and is therefore recommended.