To evaluate the effects of zinc on glycemic control and lipid profile in type 2 diabetic patients. Objectives: The zinc deficiency is reported in with diabetes, which increases oxidative stresses leading to complications of diabetes. Previous studies demonstrated that zinc supplementation improved glucose control in patients with diabetes, but limited data is available and single blind trials. Study Design: Randomized Controlled study. Setting: Combined Military Hospital (CMH) Malir Cantt, Karachi. Period: 1st December 2018 to 30th June, 2019. Material & Methods: Patients (n=350) were randomly divided into two groups. The first group (n=175) was supplemented with oral zinc sulfate 30 mg/day and second group (n=175) received placebo for a period of 3 months. Blood samples were taken at baseline and after 3 months to assess fasting blood glucose (FBS), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C %) and serum lipid levels and BMI which were compared by t test for paired samples. Results: The mean age of all subjects was 51.80+10.281 years and male to female ratio was 1.08:1. The mean BMI was 31.74+5.806. There was no statistical difference in age and gender between two groups but more obese patient received placebo. The zinc supplemented group had a significant reduction in FBS (p= 0.032) compared to placebo (p= 0.158). The HbA1C% level reduced significantly in zinc supplemented group (p<0.001).compared to the placebo group (p=0.273). Serum lipid levels reduced significantly in the zinc supplemented group (p<0.001) but no significant changes observed in the placebo group (p=0.395). Conclusions: Zinc supplementation improved glycemic control and decreased levels of serum cholesterol, LDL and triglyceride.

Introduction: The radiological investigations are not diagnostic of COVID-19 disease but help in management. CT scan is not available worldwide; therefore, x-ray chest (CXR) is ideal for assessment of disease severity using scoring system. This study was conducted to see various CXR findings and relation of severity with outcome. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted at Dallah hospital Saudi Arabia. All admitted confirmed cases of COVID-19, above age of 18-year were included. CXR were done at baseline, after 5-7 days and after 13-15 days. Patient with previous heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases or pulmonary fibrosis, Pregnant and lactating ladies were also excluded.Results: Out of total 629 patients 67.6 % were males. There was no statically significant difference in mortality in male to female patients. The mean age was 42.67+15.13 (range 18-83) years. Patients with age more than 50-year were 58.9% and had severe infection (p=0.041) with high mortality (p=0.045). The 63% patients had abnormal CXR at baseline. The common CXR features detected were consolidation (45%), followed by ground glass appearance (43%). Only 0.8% patients had pleural effusion and one patient with pneumothorax. Patients with bilateral lung infiltration was 67.5% and mostly it was in lower zones (63%). The follow-up CXR revealed an increase in severity score related to mortality (p<0.001). Conclusion: In COVID-19 infection CXR may be a predictor of severity of disease and monitoring of disease may be done by serial CXR.