Effect of glucose on reduced glutathione level in Malay uncomplicated type 2 diabetes patients

Background: Increasing blood sugar level may increase free radical compounds in type 2 diabetes. Free radical compounds can cause oxidative stress, thereby decreasing endogenous antioxidants such as reduced glutathione (GSH). Objective: This study aimed to determine whether random blood glucose levels affect GSH in type 2 diabetes patients within the Malay race. Methods: This study was observational with case-control, involving 25 patients with uncomplicated type 2 diabetes (receiving metformin and/or glimipiride) and 25 healthy controls. Random blood glucose levels were determined using ACCU-CHECK® Kit. Blood GSH levels were determined by Sigma GSH Assay Kit. Results: Results show that type 2 diabetes patients have a significantly lower random blood glucose level compared with those of age-matched normal subjects (p<0.0001). Type 2 diabetic patients had significantly lower levels of GSH (p=0.00) than those of age-matched normal subjects. We found a moderate negative correlation (r=-0.437 and p=0.02) between the level of random blood glucose and the level of GSH. Conclusion: The depletion of GSH during hyperglycemia may neutralize the free radicals indirectly generated by the abundant of glucose.