Abstract Trace elements such as Zinc and Copper modulate immune functions that affect the formation of insulin in the pancreatic beta cells. This study aimed to determine Zinc, Copper, Albumin and Total protein in diabetic individuals within Port Harcourt metropolis, Nigeria. Plasma Zinc, Copper, Albumin and Total protein concentrations of 28 diabetic individuals aged between 30-75 years were compared to 24 healthy non diabetic individuals aged between 30-75 years. Atomic absorption spectrophotometer was used to determine Zinc and Copper concentrations while bromocresol green method was used to determine Albumin. Total protein concentration was determined using biuret method. The results showed that the mean ± standard deviation of Zinc, Copper, Albumin and Total protein for diabetic individuals are 0.58 ± 0.14 mg/L (Zinc), 0.028 ± 0.16mg/L (Copper); 42.64 ± 4.10g/L (Albumin) and 66.57 ± 11.52 g/L (Total protein) respectively while the values for non – diabetic individuals are 0.80 ± 0.30 mg/L (Zinc), 0.05 ± 0.01 mg/L (Copper), 38.5 ± 5.56 g/l (Albumin,) 58.83 ± 9.42 g/l (Total protein) respectively. The concentrations of Zinc and Copper were significantly lower in diabetic individuals when compared with control (p<0.05). This study shows that diabetic condition affects the concentrations of trace elements such as Zinc and Copper.
Keyword: Trace elements, Zinc, Copper, Diabetes, Total protein, Albumin.