[Risk factors of diabetes mellitus in Shiraz city, 2007]

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is the most common type of diabetes which is triggered by various factors such as obesity, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, dietary habits and inheritance. With respect to geographic variation of diabetes prevalence, it is important to know the risk factors regionally. As a case-control study, we looked for important risk factors of diabetes in our region. This study consisted of 400 individuals in case group and 400 individuals in control group. All these anthropometric measurements were calculated by standard methods. Blood samples taken from two groups were studied for TG, FBS, Cholesterol and HbA1c. Data are reported as the Mean +/- SD. P<0.05 was considered as statistically significant. There was no significant difference between two groups about mean age and sex ratio. Statistically significant difference were found for central obesity, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, polycystic ovarian syndrome [PCOS] and positive family history of diabetes in both groups [P<0.05]. The results showed that central obesity, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, PCOS and positive family history of diabetes are important risk factors of diabetes mellitus in Shiraz. In concordance with the results of this study, screening programme for that risk factor of diabetes in this region is suggested

[Plasma zinc concentration in type 2 diabetic patients and control group in Shiraz city, 2007]

The relationship between diabetes and serum insulin and Zinc [Zn] levels is complex with no clear cause and effect relationships. Since Zn plays a clear role in the synthesis, storage and secretion of insulin as well as conformational integrity of insulin in the hexametric form, the decreased Zn, which affects the ability of the islet cell to produce and secrete insulin, might then compound the problem, particularly in type 2 diabetes. The aim of this study was to determine the changes of plasma Zn in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and healthy control in Shiraz city. As a case-control study, we determined the serum Zn levels by atomic absorption spectrophotometer, blood HbA1c levels with columnar chromatographic method and Glucose, by enzymatic colorimetric method in auto analyzer. Data are reported as the Mean +/- SD and P<0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results of this study revealed that levels of Zn in serum of diabetic patients is lower than in the healthy control in Shiraz city [P<0.05]. With respect to the result of this study, dietary educations about consuming enriched Zn foods such as sea foods and corn in diabetic patients is necessitated