Thiamine supplementation can prevent vascular complications in patients with diabetes

The study included 90 participants; they were divided into three groups, each comprising 30 individuals. Group A served as the control group and comprised of healthy, non-diabetic individuals. Groups B and C contained subjects with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, respectively.

Descriptive analysis was reported as the mean standard deviation, comorbidities and gender were expressed as percentages and frequencies. Pearson’s correlation coefficient and chi-square test were used to determine the associations of the variables with type 1 DM, type 2 DM, and controls.

The study revealed the following findings:

· There were statistically significant differences between controls, type 1 and type 2 DM, in the means of blood glucose levels and all lipid profiles, such as glycated haemoglobin, random blood sugar, fasting blood sugar, triglycerides, serum thiamine, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and total cholesterol.

· Among the control group, type 1 and type 2 diabetes, HbA1c, and FBS were insignificantly correlated with thiamine levels, whereas the HbA1c and FBS of the combined diabetic groups were significantly correlated with the thiamine level (r = 0.465) and (r = 0.360), respectively, where 'r' is the Pearson correlation coefficient.

· HbA1c and FBS in the combined three groups were significantly correlated with the thiamine level (r = −0.626) and (r = −0.561), respectively.

"Based on the findings, we recommend routine monitoring of thiamine levels in diabetic patients, and early thiamine supplementation should be considered, particularly if there are signs of vascular complications on clinical examination," the researchers concluded.

Reference:

Khan M, Mubeen M, Chohan H, et al. (September 29, 2023) Correlation of Fasting Blood Sugar and Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) With Thiamine Levels in Diabetic Patients. Cureus 15(9): e46178. doi:10.7759/cureus.46178