Quantification and comparison of some heavy metals in scalp hair,finger nails and plasma of diabetic patients of sargodha zone (Pakistan)

There is an accumulating evidence that metabolism of several trace elements is altered in diabetic patients and these micro nutrients have specific role in pathogenesis and progress of diabetes mellitus (dm). seven heavy metals i.e. co,cd,cr,ni,mn,cu and zn in nails,scalp hair and plasma of dm patients of sargodha zone were quantified by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer (aas). results were with the same age group healthy non-diabetic mellitus (ndm) volunteers. in the nails of males cr and zn level higher but cu and ni concentration was lower than healthy controls significantly. in females cu and ni showed same pattern but zn in order of vice versa. in scalp hair,ni,cu,zn and mn level in male dm was reduced but cr,cd,and co showed elevated concentration than healthy controls. in females dm again ni,cu,and zn level was lower and vice versa for cr,cd,co and mn. in plasma of male dm patients cr and ni showed lower level while cd,co,cu,zn and mn were in higher concentration than healthy controls and same results were seen for females. our findings are in good agreement with the previous literature data,yet extensive effort is still needed in order to avoid the prevalence of diabetes mellitus in pakistan. it is concluded from the present study that maintenance of specific heavy metal profile,that is necessary for in healthy persons,can be reduced the risk of dm and it can prove to reduce the rate of morbidities by dm as well.