Free radicals have important roles in pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus. It has been well
documented that there is a link between oxidative stress and secondary complications of diabetes. In
the present study we determined and evaluated changes in levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and
antioxidant vitamin E in plasma of Sudanese patients with Type II diabetes mellitus. Total of 200
diabetic patients (90 males, 110 females) with mean age of 55.48 ± 12.14 years were recruited into
the study. Control group was composed of 100 healthy volunteers (47 males, 53 females) with mean
age of 53.53 ± 11.43 years. In addition to the two mentioned parameters, levels of fasting blood
glucose and percentages of HbA1C levels were determined in diabetic patients and controls. There
was a significant increase in the MDA level (test group) which is used as an indicator of metabolic
stress, oxidative stress or lipid per oxidation marker. On the other hand; antioxidant vitamin E of the
test group was reduced meaningfully. Reduction in vitamin E levels was probable due to antioxidant
effect of this antioxidant vitamin. In conclusion, supplementation of antioxidant vitamins into the
daily diets of diabetic patients will enhance power of non-enzymatic antioxidant defense systems.
Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, vitamin E, MDA, Libya