Effect of Zinc, Vitamin C and D on the Glycemic Control and Functional Status of the Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Effective glucose control and better prevention of complications resulting from diabetes could be the crucial task in managing people with diabetes mellitus during the COVID-19 pandemic for reducing the vulnerability of people with diabetes toward the disease and preventing the severe outcomes resulting from COVID-19. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective observational study conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Andhra Pradesh. The present study involved 200 diabetic patients through a convenient sampling method (males: 100 and females: 100) who presented to the tertiary care hospital of Andhra Pradesh between August 2020 and January 2021. Results: The highest age of individuals included in the study was 88 years, whereas the lowest age of participants included was 35 years. The majority of the patients (72%) have their blood glucose levels measuring <200 mg/dl. Discussion: Vitamin C is a well-known antioxidant having significant immune-modulating effects through transformation of T-cells, phagocytic function, and interferon production. Zinc is an element having several physiological functions in the human body as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Zinc is also a cofactor in the action of around 300 enzymes. Conclusion: Nutrient supplementation with zinc, Vitamin C and D can be a good option as it is a safe, low cost, and readily available measure, helpful to get along with the fear of getting infected during the COVID-19 pandemic.