Effect of Selenium and Vitamin C Supplementation on Glycemic Markers in Patients with Type II Diabetes: A Randomized Clinical Trial

 According to the worldwide expansion of diabetes, scientists suggest supplementation with minerals and vitamins to control hyperglycemia in diabetic patients.We conducted this study to explore the effect of supplementation of selenium and vitamin C separately and in combination, on glycemic parameters in patients with diabetes type 2.

 Sixty patients with diabetes type 2 were selected from the population of individuals referred to hospitals and clinics in Bushehr port. After justification, the participants were assigned to one of the 4 groups randomly. The patients in groups 1, 2 and 3 received 1000 mg vitamin C, 100 μg Selenium and a mixture of 100 μg Selenium plus 1000 mg vitamin C daily for a period of 3 months, respectively. Group 4 received 500 mg placebo. At the beginning and at the end of study fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) were measured.

  HbA1c and FPG in group 3 compared to other groups and the control group augmented significantly. There was a non-significant decrease of HbA1c and FPG in group 1 and group 2 following intervention compared to the baseline.  

 Based on the findings of this study we concluded that supplementation with vitamin C and selenium might induce insulin resistance in type 2 diabetic patients.