POST IMMUNE RESPONSE TO ZINC SUPPLEMENTATION IN DIABETES (Type II) PATIENTS WITH IMMUNE DYSFUNCTION.

Diabetes mellitus, particularly type 2, is associated with immune dysfunction and zinc deficiency, which exacerbate inflammation and impair glycemic control. This study solely investigated the post-immune response to zinc supplementation in 315 diabetic patients with immune dysfunction within Jaba Local Government Area (LGA), Kaduna State, Nigeria. In a randomized controlled trial, participants received either 30mg/day elemental zinc or placebo for 12 weeks. Immune markers (CD4+ T-cell counts, TNF-α, IL-6) and glycemic indices (fasting blood glucose [FBS], HbA1c) were assessed before and after intervention. Results showed significant improvements in the zinc group: CD4+ counts increased by 25% (p<0.001), TNF-α decreased by 32% (p<0.01), IL-6 by 28% (p<0.05), FBS by 18% (p<0.001), and HbA1c by 1.2% (p<0.001). No significant changes was observed in the placebo group. Zinc supplementation enhances the immune function and glycemic control in this population, supporting its role as an adjunct therapy in resource-limited settings.