Diabetes is characterised by high metabolic and oxidative stress, and there is evidence that trace elements such as zinc and copper are important co-factors in these processes. We therefore have measured serum zinc and copper levels in type 2 diabetic subjects from Nigeria. Fifty-three (53) diabetic patients and 50 age-matched non-diabetic control subjects were included in this study. Serum zinc, serum copper, and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) were measured among the diabetic and control groups and the association of both trace elements compared with glycaemic status, age, gender, and duration of diabetes. The serum zinc level was significantly lower (11.9±2.9mmol/L) in diabetic patients as compared with control subjects (14.6±2.5mmol/L, p<0.001). A significantly higher difference was observed in serum copper levels with a mean of 23.3±4.3mmol/L in diabetic patients as compared with 1

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