Background: Zinc as an essential trace element has many biological roles in human and its deficiency can lead to many diseases. Different studies show a link between impaired Zinc homostasis and a pathophysiological role in diabetes due to catalytic, structural and regulatory effects of this element. So, to understand the role of Zinc in diabetes, we did a systematic review on the relationship of Zinc status and its effect on diabetes.

Materials and Methods : In order to study the association between the altered Zinc homeostasis and diabetes, we did a systematic search in Pubmed and Scopus database using the 'Zinc' and 'Diabetes' keywords.

Results: There is a relationship between the Zinc and the storage, secretion, and the action of insulin. Also, polymorphisms of Zinc transporter ZnT8 (a controller of insulin secretion) that located on insulin secretory granules membrane may play a role in diabetes and represents a new therapeutic target for this patients. Furthermore, there are biochemical and genetic evidences on the defect of Insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE), a Zn-dependent endopeptidase, in the pathogenesis of diabetes. In addition, some diabetic complications may be related to increased oxidants and free radicals due to decreases in Zn and in Zn-dependent antioxidant enzymes.

Conclusion: Assessing the Zinc status in diabetic patients and the treatment of possible Zinc deficiency by Zinc supplementation can have significant therapeutic effects. Also, molecular researches on ZnT8, as a novel autoantigen, can provide a strategy for the early diagnosis and treatment of diabetes.