The Beneficiary Role of Selenium in Type II Diabetes: A Longitudinal Study

Abstract

Introduction Selenium (Se) is an antioxidotic element that is able to protect the pancreatic islets from oxidative stress, improve their functionality, and suspend atherosclerosis. The current paper is an attempt to demonstrate the beneficiary impact of administrating Se to patients with diabetes type 2 who are being treated with oral hypoglycemic agents, based on their glycemic and lipidemic profile. Methods The study involves 94 individuals, 72 male and 22 female patients aged 48 to 64 years old with diabetes mellitus type 2. They did not present any diabetic complications or significant comorbidities. They were following a Mediterranean diet and were monitored in order to maintain a steady body mass index (BMI). They were administered with Se 200 μg, taken once daily on an empty stomach. The laboratory testing included fasting blood glucose, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). The tests were performed before, three months after, and six months after the administration of selenium. Results The study resulted in a statistically significant reduction in the blood levels of glucose, HbA1c, cholesterol, and LDL in both three months and six months after the beginning of the treatment. HDL did not present any change during the first three months but did present a statistically significant increase in six months. Triglycerides did not present a significant reduction in both three and six months. Conclusion It appears that the administration of Se to type-2 diabetic patients can improve their glycemic and lipidemic profile, while larger definite trials are needed to provide further evidence.