Evaluation of Zinc, Vitamin C and Vitamin E Levels in Male Subjects with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

ABSTRACT

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the serum/plasma levels of zinc, vitamin C and E in male subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus to establish their concentration pattern.Place and Duration of Study Medical outpatient clinic, Chemical Pathology Laboratory of Enugu State University of Science and Technology Teaching Hospital, between January and December 2016.Methodology: This prospective cohort study enrolled 40 male individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus and 40 apparently healthy control, within the age range of 45-75 years. Zinc, vitamin C, vitamin E, and fasting blood glucose levels were determined at pre-treatment, six months and 12 months into treatment. Results: The mean values of zinc, vitamin E and fasting blood glucose were significantly higher at pre-treatment compared to apparently healthy control values (147. 76 +/-32.95 vs 114.31+/-15.58 μg/dl,11.88+/-3.13 vs 3.42+/-0.21mg/dl and 8.08 +/-3.22vs 5.25+/-0.35 mmol/l respectively) (p=<0.001, <0.001, and <0.001 respectively). At 6 month into treatment in comparison to pre-treatment values, there were significant decreases in vitamin C (3.90+/-0.97 vs 5.15+/-1.43 mg/dl) (p= 0.04). At 12 month into treatment in comparison to pre-treatment values, there were significant decreases in vitamin C (3.25+/-0.16 vs 5.15+/-1.43 mg/dl) (p= <0.001). At pre-treatment, vitamin C significantly decrease from 6.49+/-0.96mg/dl in age group 45-64 years to 4.10+/-0.76mg/dl in age >65 years (p=0.01).Conclusion:The levels of vitamin C were lower at six months, but lowest at 12 month into treatment. Also vitamin C levels were found to be lower in age >65 years.