The effect of vitamin C alone or in combination with vitamin E on fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin and lipid profile in type 2 diabetic patients (Gaza Strip)‎

Abstract EN

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of vitamin C alone or in combination with vitamin E on fasting blood sugar, glycosylated hemoglobin and lipid profile in type 2 diabetic patients in Gaza Strip.

Fifty eight type 2 diabetic patients treated with metformin were selected from Palestine Medical Relief Society and some UNRWA health centers in Gaza Strip.

They were divided into three groups.

The first group (n = 20) continued on metformin only.

Oral vitamin C was added to the second group (n=19), whereas the combination of vitamin C and E was added orally to the third group (n=19).

Fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbAlc) and lipid profile including (total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), LDL, HDL) were measured before and after three months of intervention.

There is a significant reduction (P < 0.05) in FBS, HbAlc and lipid profile in the second and third group compared to the first group.

The reductions in FBS, HbA1c and TG were more significant (p value > 0.05) in the third group than the second group, while the reduction in TC was similar in both groups, and the reduction in LDL was more significant in the second group than the third group.

Vitamin C alone or in combination with vitamin E caused a small and insignificant increase (P ˃ 0.05) in HDL cholesterol.

In conclusion, the study revealed that the use of vitamin C alone or in combination with vitamin E provides good glycemic control, reduces lipid profile and improves HDL-cholesterol level