Zinc, copper and magnesium status in insulin-dependent diabetes.

In 20 patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus the concentration of zinc in serum was 56.53 +/- 2.36 micrograms/dl (mean +/- SD). This was significantly lower (p < 0.01) than the levels measured in matched controls. In the same patients the concentrations of serum copper and magnesium were 123.46 +/- 6.59 micrograms/dl and 17.38 +/- 0.52 mg/l respectively. These copper values were higher and the magnesium levels were lower than in the control subjects (p < 0.01). These changes may be associated with the development of insulin resistance and it is proposed that patients will improve if trace elements are given as part of the therapy.