Antioxidants status in type 2 diabetic patients in Morocco.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Type 2 diabetes is a heterogeneous and multifactorial metabolic disorder with some relationship to oxidative stress (OS). Since no studies were conducted in the Moroccan population, this clinical investigation aimed at evaluating the antioxidants status in Moroccan patients with type 2 diabetes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Blood samples of 60 type 2 diabetic patients and 40 healthy controls subjects were analyzed for determination of glycemia, hemoglobin, CRP, glycated hemoglobin, lipid parameters, malondialdehyde (MDA), vitamins E and C, copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and selenium (Se).

RESULTS: CRP and triglycerides were higher in the diabetic group while high-density lipoprotein levels were significantly lower compared to the control group. Plasma MDA, Cu concentrations, and Cu/Zn ratio were found to be higher in diabetic patients compared to healthy subjects, while vitamin E, Zn, and Se concentrations were lower compared to the control group. No significant difference was found in vitamin C levels between the two groups. Plasma HbA1c was positively correlated to MDA levels.

CONCLUSION: This study shows that antioxidant status is impaired in diabetics compared to healthy controls.