Effect of zinc supplement on glycemic control and lipid abnormalities in Type 2 diabetic patients.

Abstract

To evaluate the effects of zinc on glycemic control and lipid profile in type 2 diabetic patients. Objectives: The zinc deficiency is reported in with diabetes, which increases oxidative stresses leading to complications of diabetes. Previous studies demonstrated that zinc supplementation improved glucose control in patients with diabetes, but limited data is available and single blind trials. Study Design: Randomized Controlled study. Setting: Combined Military Hospital (CMH) Malir Cantt, Karachi. Period: 1st December 2018 to 30th June, 2019. Material & Methods: Patients (n=350) were randomly divided into two groups. The first group (n=175) was supplemented with oral zinc sulfate 30 mg/day and second group (n=175) received placebo for a period of 3 months. Blood samples were taken at baseline and after 3 months to assess fasting blood glucose (FBS), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C %) and serum lipid levels and BMI which were compared by t test for paired samples. Results: The mean age of all subjects was 51.80+10.281 years and male to female ratio was 1.08:1. The mean BMI was 31.74+5.806. There was no statistical difference in age and gender between two groups but more obese patient received placebo. The zinc supplemented group had a significant reduction in FBS (p= 0.032) compared to placebo (p= 0.158). The HbA1C% level reduced significantly in zinc supplemented group (p<0.001).compared to the placebo group (p=0.273). Serum lipid levels reduced significantly in the zinc supplemented group (p<0.001) but no significant changes observed in the placebo group (p=0.395). Conclusions: Zinc supplementation improved glycemic control and decreased levels of serum cholesterol, LDL and triglyceride.