Zinc as a Potential Coadjuvant in Therapy for Type 2 Diabetes

BackgroundType 2 diabetes is highly prevalent in populations having high rates of overweight and obesity. It is a chronic condition responsible for long-term severe dysfunction of several organs, including the kidneys, heart, blood vessels, and eyes. Although there are a number of pharmacologic products in the market to treat insulin resistance and impaired insulin secretion—the most prominent features of this disease—interventions directed at preserving the integrity and function of β-cells in the long term are less available. The use of some nutrients with important cellular protective roles that may lead to a preservation of β-cells has not been fully tested; among these, zinc may be an interesting candidate.ObjectiveTo assess the potential of zinc supplementation as coadjuvant to diabetes therapy.MethodsThis article reviews the available information on the use of zinc as part of diabetes therapy.ResultsCellular and animal models provide information on the insulin mimetic action of zinc, as well as its...