Effect of Vitamin E and C Supplementation on Oxidative Stress in Diabetic Patients

Abstract

Background: Diabetes is a metabolic epidemic that causes vascular complications. The presence of oxidative stress in diabetes patients and the preventive role of vitamins therapy have been reported by many researchers. Vitamins supplementation improves antioxidant defense system in diabetes patients. Aim: To study the effect of vitamin E and C supplementation on oxidative stress in diabetes patients. Methods: Subjects enrolled in the study received 500 mg of both vitamin C and vitamin E daily twice for 4 months under medical supervision. Fasting blood glucose, MDA, catalase, SOD and nitric oxide were determined. Serum vitamin E and plasma vitamin C were also measured. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 12.0. Numerical normally distributed and categorical data were compared using independent t-test. Data were presented as means ± SD. Results: After supplementation with vitamin E and C in diabetic patients, a signify decrease in FBS, MDA levels and increase in serum nitrite, erythrocyte SOD, blood catalase, vitamin E and vitamin C levels were observed. A negative correlation between MDA and vitamins was observed. Conclusion: Vitamin E and C supplementation is useful for the treatment of oxidative stress related complications in diabetes patients. Prescribed medicines contain active ingredients that may cause effect on the patients in terms of side-effects. Controlled vitamin therapy for prolonged period may not cause any side-effects, as well as play effective role for the management of type 2 diabetic related oxidative stress.