Zinc, magnesium and prealbumin serum levels of children with type 1 diabetes mellitus

Several trace elements are involved in glucose metabolism and insulin signal transduction. Also, some of proteins such as serum pre-albumin has a prognostic value in many diseases, but its serum levels can be affected by many factors. Our aim for this present study was to compare the levels of magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn) and prealbumin between patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) and healthy children. 34 type 1 diabetic children who were under follow up of Pediatric Endocrinology Department and 94 healthy children who were under regular control of Social Pediatrics department at University of Gaziantep were enrolled in this study. Serum zinc, magnesium and pre-albumin levels of patients diagnosed with type1 diabetes mellitus were compared with separate control groups for each parameter. The ethical permission has been taken from the ethical committee of University of Gaziantep. Informed consents of participants or their legal guards were taken. The present study consisted of 34 diabetic children at average ages of (3-16) Serum pre-albumin levels were found significantly low in type 1 DM patients compared with healthy children at 16.87±3.63 vs 21.88±7.7 (p<0.000), respectively. Additionally, diabetic children showed a marked decrease in Mg levels at 1.9±0.14 compared to 2.01±0.13 in controls (p=0.005). On the other hand, no statistical significance was detected in serum Zn values between patients and healthy controls with figures of 0.82±0.16 and 0.86±0.10, respectively (p=0.329). The role of prealbumin as a biomarker is not clear yet. However, it is thought as a negative inflammatory marker. Within this context, the low levels of prealbumin in diabetic patients may be attributed to the chronic inflammatory status of the type 1 diabetis. Regarding Mg, the slightly decreased levels in type1 diabetic children were consistent with literature. With respect to Zn, this research did not reveal any difference between the study groups. However, there are controversial results regarding Zn levels in the literature. In conclusion, regularly measurement of Mg and Zinc levels of type 1 DM patients may be required in terms of supplementation when necessary. Furthermore, prealbumin levels may play a role as a biomarker in terms of monitoring inflammatory status of type 1 DM patients.