PATHOLOGICAL PARAMETERS IN TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS PATIENTS TREATED WITH VITAMIN C SUPPLEMENTATION: A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetes Mellitus is characterized by impaired insulin secretion, insulin resistance, and chronic hyperglycemia, and is caused by genetic and environmental factors. Since blood glucose competes with vitamin C for cell absorption due to its structural similarity to the oxidised form, vitamin C levels in T2DM patients are usually lower, and increased oxidant stress can deplete antioxidant stocks. Vitamin C, a valuable micronutrient with strong antioxidant properties, can protect important biomolecules from oxidation by engaging in oxidation-reduction reactions. It is easily oxidised to dehydroascorbic acid, which is then reduced down to ascorbate.

Aim: To study the Role of Vitamin C supplementation in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Material and methods: In this prospective study, 206 patients with T2DM were enrolled and randomly assigned to two groups of 103 patients each (the study group and control group). In ETDA blood, standard methods for determining glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) were used. Fasting glucose was measured in blood. Patients were given vitamin C or placebo for three weeks at a time. Patients were told to carry any leftover medications or containers to their follow-up appointments. All of the patients' usual dietary patterns were maintained by limiting their consumption of vitamin C-rich foods.

Results: There were 103 patients in each group of vitamin C and 103 patients in the control group. Among the 103 patients in the Vitamin C section, 61 were males and 42 were females. Of the 103 controls in the test sample, 60 were males and 43 were females. The average age of cases in the vitamin C group is 45.35 7.33, while it is 43.66 5.32 in the control group. In contrast to controls, the mean post-meal blood sugar was substantially lower in those who were given vitamin C. Fasting blood sugar levels and HbA1c were significantly lower in group B. In the sample population, plasma vitamin C levels increased significantly.

Conclusion: In T2DM patients, vitamin C supplementation can significantly lower HbA1c and blood glucose levels.

Keywords: Glycosylated Hemoglobin, Vitamin C, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.