Impact of Vitamin C as an Adjuvant Agent on Glycemic Indices in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the effects of adjuvant vitamin C therapy with oral hypoglycemic on FBS, RBS and HbA1c and to find out the correlation of Vitamin C with glycemic indices. Study Design & Settings: This randomized open label clinical trial was conducted at Bahria University Medical & Dental College (BUMDC) in collaboration with NMC, Karachi from October 2018 to April 2019. Methodology: A total of 160 known type -2 males and females, uncomplicated diabetics, aged 40-65 years with FBS= 200 mg/dl, HbA1c = 8.5% and diabetes duration > 5years were enrolled from diabetic clinic of NMC after written informed consent. They were divided into control group and treatment group by sealed envelope technique. Control group received oral hypoglycemic drugs while treatment group received vitamin C 500 mg per orally BD with oral hypoglycemic drugs with advice of diet control and daily exercise. Patients were subjected to FBS, RBS and HbA1c at baseline and at the end of 90 days. SPSS version 23.0 was used for data analysis. The results were expressed as mean ± standard deviation (SD). P value<0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: In control group FBS and RBS reduced by1mg /dl and 7mg/dl from day-0 to 90. In treatment group FBS reduced by 14mg/dl and RBS reduced by 21mg/dl from day-0 to 90. HbA1c increased by 0.7% in control group and decreased by 0.4 % in treatment group at the end of 90 days. Negative correlation is observed between Vitamin C and glycemic indices. Conclusion: Adjuvant vitamin C therapy with oral hypoglycemic drugs in type-2 diabetics reduced FBS, RBS and HbA1c and exhibited negative correlation with glycemic parameters.