Study of oxidative stress in type 2 diabetic patients and its relationship with glycated hemoglobin

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the activity of antioxidant enzymes in diabetic patients and also to determine the correlation between hyperglycemia and lipid peroxidation.

METHODS: Thirty patients with type 2 diabetes and 30 healthy individuals control group participated in this case-control study. The patients were referred to Sina Hospital, Hamadan, Iran from April to June 2006. Glycated hemoglobin HbA1c was measured as a marker of hyperglycemia using the chromatography method Biosystem and malondialdehyde MDA was determined using the colorimetric method. Glutathione peroxidase GPx and superoxide dismutase SOD activity were assessed using the UV-Vis spectrophotometric technique Randox kit.

RESULTS: The mean of HbA1c was higher in diabetic patients compared to the healthy group, and the difference was statistically significant p<0.001. Serum MDA in diabetics was higher compared to those of healthy subjects p<0.001. There were significant differences in activities of SOD and GPx between the 2 studied groups indicating lower activity in diabetic patients p<0.001. There was a significant relationship between MDA and HbA1c in diabetic and healthy subjects.

CONCLUSION: The data showed an increase in lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress in diabetes and also indicated a positive correlation between the degree of hyperglycemia and oxidative stress. Evaluation of oxidative status and choosing the appropriate treatment may help to support antioxidant defense in these patients.