The Utility of Zinc Augmentation in Diabetes - A Narrative Review
Chidiebere V. Ugwueze
Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine, Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Ebonyi State Nigeria.
Ekenechukwu E. Young
Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Ituku/Ozalla, Enugu State Nigeria.
Chidimma B. Nwatu *
Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Ituku/Ozalla, Enugu State Nigeria.
Belonwu M. Onyenekwe
Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Ituku/Ozalla, Enugu State Nigeria.
Chinweuba M. Abonyi
Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine, Enugu State University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Enugu State Nigeria.
Chidiebele M. Ezeude
Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi, Anambra State Nigeria.
Bede I. Nnolim
Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine, Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Ebonyi State Nigeria.
Basil C. Ezeokpo
Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine, Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Ebonyi State Nigeria.
Chioma Unachukwu
Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Port-Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Rivers State Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus has sadly become a pandemic, with chronic and debilitating complications which by far are more pronounced in the developing countries of the world. Despite the availability of a wide array of anti-diabetic drugs (both oral and parenteral medications), micro-vascular and macro-vascular diabetes complications are still common. Owing to this sad reality, the place of micronutrients augmentation has come to the frontline of research in diabetes management. Zinc is one of the well-known micro-elements with diverse functions in various physiologic processes in humans. The authors reviewed the role of zinc augmentation in subjects with diabetes generally, both those with complications of diabetes and those without complications. Emphasis was also laid on the modulatory actions of zinc on various diabetes-related processes which include: its anti-oxidant effect; improvement of insulin secretion/sensitivity; increased amylin action; inhibition of gluconeogenesis and atherosclerosis. The impact of zinc supplementation on fasting plasma glucose, glycated haemoglobin and lipid indices were also detailed, while a brief overview of the pharmacology and pharmacokinetics of zinc was also undertaken.
Keywords: Zinc augmentation, diabetes mellitus management, diabetes complications, role of zinc in diabetes.