Sherin M. Al Zinati1,Amin T.
Hamed2, Ashraf Al Swirky3
1. Master Degree in Pharmacology , Faculty of
Pharmacy, Al Azhar University
2. Associated Professor of Pharmacology,
Faculty of Pharmacy, Al Azhar University
3. PHD in Endocrinology, Department of
Endocrinology, Al Shifa Hospital
ABSTRACT
Background:
Persistent hyperglycemia causes increases in the production of free radicals
especially reactive oxygen species (ROS) which promotes the development of many
complications of diabetes mellitus.
Objectives: To evaluate the effect of vitamin C alone or in combination with
vitamin E as adjunctive therapy in reducing the serum level of glucose,
glycosylated hemoglobin and lipid profile in type 2 diabetic patients in Gaza
strip.
Methods: To achieve this purpose sixty type 2
diabetic patients were selected from Palestine Medical Relief Society and some UNRWA health centers in Gaza Strip.
All patients were treated with metformin and divided into three groups ,but two
patients withdrawn due to incompliance. The first group (n=20) continued on
metformin therapy only(control group).The second group(n=19) was treated with
vitamin C along with metformin ,whereas
the third group(n=19) was treated with vitamins C and E combination together
with metformin .All patients were followed up for three months. A number of biochemical tests were carried
out for each patients on the start and at the end of the experimental protocol
:including fasting blood sugar (FBS), glycosylated hemoglobin(HbA1c) and lipid
profile (TG,TC,LDL,HDL).
Results: showed significant reduction in FBS
,HbA1c and lipid profile among patients who used vitamin C (G2)and vitamin C
and E (G3)compared to the control group after three months of treatment. the
reductions in FBS , HbA1c and TG were
more significant in G3 than G2, while the reduction in total cholesterol(TC)
was similar in both groups. The reduction in LDL was more significant in G2
than G3. Intake of vitamin C alone or vitamins C and E combination caused a small increases in HDL-cholesterol,
these increases were not significant.
Conclusions: The study revealed that the use of
antioxidants like vitamin C alone or the combination of vitamin C and E can
provide a good glycemic control and reduce TG ,TC, and LDL-cholesterol levels
significantly and improve HDL-cholesterol level.
Recommendations: Increase awareness about the relationship between chronic diabetic
disease and oxidative stress. Recommend the use of antioxidants as
adjunctive therapy for type 2 diabetic patients as they give good glycemic
control and improve the lipid profile in order to delay or ovoid chronic
complications of diabetes mellitus. Further studies on a larger number
of patients and for a longer follow-up periods
to assess the long effect of antioxidants on glycemic control and lipid profile
in type 2 diabetic patients.