Diabetes mellitus is a disease that affects not only glucose metabolism but also mineral metabolism. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of vitamin C and E on blood glucose and electrolyte levels in fructose-induced hyperglycemia in Wistar rats. Twenty (24) Wistar rats were usedfor the study. Each animal, regardless of their weight was made diabetic by feeding them with 20% (20g/100ml) of fructose dissolved in distilled water for a period of six (6) weeks, after which they were randomly assigned into four groups of six (6) animals each as follows: Group 1 served as diabetic control, Group 2 and 3 were treated with 100mg/kg b w of vitamin C and vitamin E respectively while Group 4 were treated with 250mg/kg b w of metformin and served as a positive control. All doses were administered orally once daily for a period of seven days. The results showed a statistically significant reduction (p<0.05) on blood glucose level in the groups treated with 100mg /kg b w of Vitamin C and E after day 3 and 7 when compared to control group. The result obtained also demonstrated a significantly reduced (p<0.05) serum sodium ion level in all groups treated with 100 mg/kg b w of vitamin C and E respectively when compared to diabetic control group. In regards to serum potassium ion, only Vitamin C at tested dose of 100mg/kg b w produced a significant change when compared to diabetic control group. However, the serum biocarbonate level was significantly decrease (p<0.05) in all groups treated with Vitamin C (100 mg/kg b w) and Vitamin E (100 mg/kg b w) respectively when compared to control group non treated group.
