A study of the Oxidative stress and Antioxidant status in diabetic subjects who are on treatment with Metformin

Abstract

Background:Oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of DM and its complications. However, antioxidant status and its contribution to type 2 DM are less explored in South Indian population. Metformin, is a biguanide anti hyperglycemic agent used for the management of type 2 diabetes. Aim: To study the alteration in oxidant and antioxidant status in type 2 diabetic subjects on treatment with Metformin and to evaluate the effect of metformin in improving the total antioxidant status. Methodology: All subjects were T2DM patients, on metformin monotherapy (500 mg, bd) and were grouped into Group 1 and Group 2 based on their HbA1c values with response to metformin. Baseline parameters (B.P, Waist Hip ratio, BMI, family history), glycemic status, lipid profile, Total antioxidant capacity (TAC), Malondialdehyde (MDA) and serum Metformin levels were assayed. Results: Fasting insulin (μIu/ml), TAC (µM), MDA (nmol/ml), Metformin (µg/ml) values in group 1 and group II are 22. 38 ± 2.7, 14 ± 3.9, 268.71± 23.12, 355.75 ± 26.32, 3.37 ± 0.21, 1.68 ± 0.05, 0.17 ± 0.01, 0.08 ± 0.005 respectively. Oxidative stress was higher with reduced antioxidant status in Group I compared to Group II subjects. Conclusion: It may be concluded that total antioxidant status is lower in type 2 diabetic subjects of Group 1 category compared to diabetic subjects in the Group 2 and it may be related to the beneficial effects of the biguanide, Metformin.