Lipid peroxidation is associated with poor control of type-2 diabetes mellitus

Hyperglycemia increases oxidative stress through the overproduction of reactive oxygen species, which results in an imbalance between free radicals and the antioxidant defense system of the cells. A positive correlation was reported between lipid peroxide levels and diabetic complication.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the state of oxidative stress in controlled and uncontrolled diabetic patients.

One hundred thirty nine participants were included in this study, grouped as: Group-I: Healthy Control group of non-diabetic normal subjects, Group-II: Controlled type-2 DM group of subjects with type-2 DM and HbA1c≤8% and Group-III: Uncontrolled type-2 DM group of subjects with type-2 DM and HbA1c>8%. Fasting blood glucose, 2h postprandial glucose, MDA and HbA1c were quantified. The association between diabetic control and lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde) was evaluated.

The mean HbA1c increased significantly in uncontrolled type-2 DM subjects compared to controlled type-2 DM group. Lipid peroxidation as expressed in MDA was significantly increased in uncontrolled type-2 DM group compared to controlled type-2 DM, both groups show significant elevation in this parameter compared to healthy subjects. There is a significant positive correlation between MDA and HbA1c in the studied subjects.

The core problem during diabetes is poor glycemic control, which leads to protein glycation, lipid peroxidation, oxidative stress and finally varieties of complications. Periodic evaluation of lipid peroxidation products in diabetes mellitus is recommended as it could contribute to the early identification and management of oxidative stress.