Abstract: Background: Levels of Zn, Cu, Mg, vitamin E and vitamin C were measured in 65 Nigerian diabetic subjects with and without micro vascular complications and compared with controls, in order to ascertain their association with the disease and its complications. Methods: Fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, Zn, Cu, Mg, vitamin E and vitamin C were assayed according to standard procedures. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS version 17.0. Results: Mean values of Zn, Mg and vitamin E were significantly higher (p<0.05) in control groups than diabetic subjects. The Zn levels correlated negatively with fasting blood glucose (p = 0.000, R = -0.443) and glycated hemoglobin (p = 0.030, R = -0.269) while Mg and vitamin E correlated negatively with fasting blood glucose (p = 0.000. R = -0.405 and p = 0.000, R = -0.524, respectively). The Zn, Mg and vitamin E levels correlated positively with each other. Diabetic subjects with retinopathy and nephropathy had significantly lower levels of vitamin E than others. Conclusion: Alterations in trace elements and vitamin status were observed in Nigerian diabetes mellitus subjects. The pattern differs from previous studies in respect of Cu and vitamin C levels. The alterations appear to be more as a result of diabetes itself, rather than being involved in the progression of the disease.