SELENIUM STATUS IN PATIENTS WITH NON-INSULIN DEPENDENT DIABETES MELLITUS

This study investigated plasma selenium (Se) dynamics as exemplified by plasma levels and the activity of the Se-dependent glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) in sulfonylurea-treated non-insulin dependent diabetic patients. A total of 24 diabetic patients with a mean age of 55±10 were used in this study, while 12 healthy individuals with a mean of 48±5 were used as controls. Plasma and erythrocytes were obtained from the peripheral blood of all diabetic and control subjects. Determination of plasma Se level was performed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry assay whereas tetra-butylhydroperoxide based assay was instituted to measure GSH-PX activity. The results showed that plasma Se levels were significantly higher (33%) in diabetic patients than in the control group. This diabetes-related elevation in plasma Se level was associated with a similar increase in the activities of plasma and erythrocytes GSH-PX. The basis and biochemical consequences of these changes in Se status during diabetes merit further investigation.