ALTERED TISSUE CONCENTRATION OF MINERALS IN SPONTANEOUS DIABETIC RATS (Goto-Kakizaki rats)

- A relationship has been reported between trace elements and diabetes mellitus. This study examined the concentration of several trace elements (Zn, Mg, Ca, Fe, Cu, Mn, P) in each organ from spontaneous type 2 diabetic model rat (GK rat) and compared with control. Results showed that diabetic rat excreted 1.25-, 1.5-fold more zinc and magnesium, respectively, than control in the urine. Contents of zinc and magnesium in kidney and testis and fatty tissue were lowered significantly in GK rat. Zinc in liver and magnesium in lung were also lowered. Concentrations of other trace elements also changed in some organs from GK rats compared with those from control. These results demonstrate that trace element imbalances come out significantly in mild diabetes and the need to instruct a nutritionally balanced diet that takes account of trace elements in diabetes from the early stage.