Role of Oxidative Stress in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

BACKGROUNDDiabetes mellitus is a state of increased free radical activity and increased oxidative stress plays a major role in the development of diabetic complications. The present study was conducted to find the role of oxidative stress in type 2 Diabetes Mellitus without complications. MATERIALS AND METHODSThe descriptive comparative study group of 150 subjects was divided into 3 groups based on glycosylated haemoglobin values, which included type 2 diabetic patients with poor metabolic control, good metabolic control and normal age matched controls. Measured parameters were serum malondialdehyde level as an indicator of lipid peroxidation, glycosylated haemoglobin, lipid parameters like triglycerides and High Density Lipoprotein (HDL). Mean differences between the groups were analysed using ANOVA (Analysis Of Variance). Correlation coefficient was calculated to find out whether there was any significant association between two variables. RESULTSThere was significant elevation of serum MDA and Triglycerides in type 2 diabetic patients with poor metabolic control when compared to patients with good metabolic control. Highly significant positive correlation was obtained between serum malondialdehyde and glycosylated haemoglobin, malondialdehyde and triglyceride. Negative correlation was found between Malondialdehyde and HDL cholesterol. CONCLUSIONEarly detection of the imbalance between oxidant and antioxidant equilibrium can prevent the risk of developing serious complications of diabetes mellitus by supplementation of antioxidant vitamins along with anti-diabetic agents. BACKGROUNDIndia with its dubious distinction of being called "The Diabetic Capital of World" is presently estimated to have over 40 million individuals affected by this deadly disease. Diabetes mellitus is a state of increased free radical activity and increased oxidative stress plays a major role in the development of diabetic complications. A currently favoured hypothesis is that oxidative stress through a single unifying mechanism of superoxide production is the common pathogenic factor underlying the development of insulin resistance, β-cell dysfunction in type 2 Diabetes mellitus 1 and progression of long-term diabetic complications.Cells continuously produce free radicals and reactive oxygen species as part of metabolic process. Free radicals derived from molecular oxygen are highly reactive metabolites and are called reactive oxygen species. In the body, reactive oxygen species cause various types of damage like lipid peroxidation and cellular damage.