Background & Aims: Metabolism of several trace elements such as copper and iron in diabetes mellitus has been changed which may have an important role in the pathogenesis and progression of the disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate association of serum copper and iron levels with fasting blood glucose (FBG) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and their first-degree relatives (FDRs).

Materials& Methods: We studied 46 subjects with T2DM, 46 FDRs and 50 healthy subjects matched for age and sex. Blood glucose and mentioned elements were measured in three groups with standard and colorimetric methods, respectively. The results were evaluated with one-way ANOVA test using statistical software SPSS 16. Correlations between different variables were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation coefficients.

Results: FBG levels were positively correlated with iron levels (r=0.650, P<0.001) in patients with T2DM and (r=0.376, P=0.01) in FDRs. On the other hand, there was no significant correlation between FBG with copper levels in these groups.

Conclusion: Alterations in iron and copper concentrations in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and their first degree relatives may relate to blood glucose level, especially in the case of iron. It seems that it is useful to follow up the concentrations of these elements in diabetic patients and their first degree relatives.

SOURCE: URMIA MED J 2016: 26(12): 1079 ISSN: 1027-3727