Effect of Zinc Supplementation on Glucose Homeostasis in Patients with β-Thalassemia Major Complicated with Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Diabetes is an important problem encountered in β- thalassemia patients. Both insulin deficiency and insulin resistance are reported in patients with β-thalassemia. The development of abnormal glucose tolerance in children and adolescents with β-thalassemia is associated with alteration in oxidant-antioxidant status. Zinc is an essential element for insulin synthesis, storage and secretion. Just like insulin, zinc maintains the structure of some antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase; thus zinc as an antioxidant inhibits insulin resistance. Recently, some studies demonstrate a link between low levels of serum zinc level and higher prevalence of diabetes. Zinc supplementation has even been suggested as an adjunct therapy in the management of non-thalassemia related diabete