Introduction and purpose: In addition to known risk factors, the role of different micronutrients such as zinc in incidence of diabetes has been proposed. Some previous studies have shown an association of zinc deficiency and diabetes type 2 while other studies have not confirmed such relationship. The aim of this study was to evaluate serum zinc level in patients with type 2 diabetes compared with the control group. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was done on patients with type 2 diabetes in Zahedan, southeastern Iran. One hundred newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients were evaluated for serum zinc level. One hundred subjects from the general population who had normal fasting plasma glucose levels were selected as the control group. The control group subjects were matched with each of patients on the basis of sex, age (± one year), and body mass index (± 1). Serum zinc level was determined by spectrometry method. Results were compared using t-test. Results: The mean serum zinc level in patients was 86.45±7.94 mcg per dL and in control group was 103.20±9.68 mcg per dL. The mean serum zinc level was not significantly different between the two groups (P=0.12). Conclusion: Serum zinc levels in diabetic patients and the control group was not significantly different. Studies with larger sample size to evaluate serum zinc level in patients with diabetes and prospective studies along with zinc supplementation consumption and investigating its effect on incidence of diabetes are needed.
