Oxidative Status and Effect of Metformin on Oxidative Stress in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients

ABSTRACT Free radicals are generated as by-products of normal cellular metabolism; however, several conditions are known to disturb the balance between ROS production and cellular defense mechanisms. This imbalance can result in cell dysfunction and destruction resulting in tissue injury. During diabetes persistent hyperglycemia causes increased production of free radicals especially reactive oxygen species (ROS) and is associated with the development of complications in diabetes. In the present study, our aim was to investigated oxidative stress, blood glucose levels and effect of metformin on oxidative stress in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Study included 100 subjects, of which 50 newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and 50 normal healthy volunteers of either sex. There was significant increase in level of oxidative stress in diabetes mellitus type 2 patients compare to normal healthy control group. After metformin administration for about 180 days compared to before giving metformin, levels of blood glucose fasting and post prandial, level of lipid peroxidation marker, malondialdehyde (MDA) was significantly decreases (p < 0.05) in type 2 diabetic patients. Type 2 diabetic patients undergo abnormally high levels of oxidative stress may lead to development of complication. This study shows that metformin can significantly lower blood sugar and reduces the level of lipid peroxidation marker, malondialdehyde MDA, a major product of oxidative damage may help to delay the development of diabetes complication.