ISSN 2326-7267
International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology ISSN 2326-7267 Vol. 15 (1), pp. 001-005, January, 2026. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Oxidative Stress and Micronutrient Profiles (Vitamins A, C, E) in Early-Stage Type 2 Diabetes in Southeast Nigeria
Onyesom I.1, Agho J. E.1,2* and Osioh H. E1
1Department of Medical Biochemistry, Delta State University Abraka, Nigeria.
2Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health Technology, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria.
Accepted 25 August, 2025
Free radicals have important roles in pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus. It has been well documented that there is a link between oxidative stress and secondary complications of diabetes mellitus. However, humans are well endowed with antioxidant defences, primarily by free radical scavengers, such as Vitamins A, C, E and some trace elements. Deficiencies of these micronutrients may increase susceptibility to this disease and the associated complications. In this study, serum antioxidant vitamins (Vitamin A, C and E) were estimated in 50 Type 2 diabetic patients using standard procedures, and the results obtained were compared with those of apparently healthy, non-diabetic subjects of comparable age and social status. Serum glucose level of the diabetic subjects (11.47 ± 1.67 mmol/L) was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than the value obtained for the non-diabetic subjects (4.16 ± 0.46 mmol/L). Vitamin A (14.38 ± 7.59 µg/L), C (0.66 ± 0.17 mg/dl) and E (0.51 ± 0.19 mg/dl) concentrations were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in diabetic patients relative to the levels of Vitamin A (44.12 ± 11.79 µg/L), C (0.97 ± 0.23 mg/dl) and E (0.68 ± 0.13 mg/dl) in control subjects. About 30, 36 and 12% of the diabetic subjects had severe Vitamins A, C and E deficiencies, respectively. These deficiencies may be contributing factor to the complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The outcome of the inclusion of Vitamin A, C and E supplements in the therapeutic regimen for Type 2 diabetics in Nigeria should be studied so that health care providers could be advised.
Key words: Nigerians, antioxidants, vitamins, diabetics.