Journal of Advanced Biomedical Sciences

Background & Objectives: Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common endocrine disorders affecting millions of people worldwide. Here, the effects of co-administration of zinc and vanadium sulfate on blood glucose levels in diabetic animals were studied. Notably, the study on the effects of the separation of zinc and vanadium has been done previously.

Materials &methods: Moderate diabetic hyperglycemia was induced by streptozotocin (STZ) 40 mg/kg, ip injection. Five groups were selected (n=5), Group I: As normal group, during the trial did not receive any drug treatment and consumed tap water during 45 days. Group II: As control diabetic group, received STZ 40mg/kg, ip injection and consumed tap water, but they did not receive any drug treatment. The diabetic animals (STZ 40mg/kg, ip) with 500-600 mg/dl blood glucose levels were randomly divided into three groups: Group IIIAs under treatment 1, used drinkable water containing 1mg/ml of vanadium sulfate. Group IV: As under treatment 2, used drinkable water (0.25 mg/ml zinc sulfate). Group V: As under treatment 3, used drinkable water (1mg/ml of vanadium sulfate and 0.25 mg/ml zinc sulfate).

Results: FBS remained high in group II (468±55.32mg/dl), whereas in group III vanadium reduced the FBS level to 209.2±32.29 mg/dl. In group IV zinc reduced the FBS level to 216.4±10.44 mg/dl. In group V vanadium and zinc sulfate reduced the FBS level to 139.2±92.9 mg/dl.

Conclusion: Zinc and vanadium sulfate separately can lower the blood sugar and their simultaneous oral administration has stronger impact on lowering the blood sugar.