The association of single nucleotide polymorphisms in genes encoding ZnT-8 and MT with DM2 has drawn attention to the relevance of Zn homeostasis for insulin secretory capacity and responsiveness.
Several investigations in animal models demonstrate the protective role of MT in DM2 and its cardiovascular or renal complications, while a copious literature shows that a common polymorphism (R325W) in ZnT8, which affects the protein's zinc transport activity, is associated with increased DM2 risk.