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

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 +/- 0.21 mg/dl and 8.08 +/- 3.22 vs 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 +/- 0.96 mg/dl in age group 45-64 years to 4.10 +/- 0.76 mg/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.