Assessment of Serum Electrolytes, Urea and Creatinine in a Comparative Study of Some Hypoglycemic Drugs on Streptozotocin Induced Albino Wistar Rats

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is the 7th leading cause of death in United States of America. One way by which this disease can be managed is through the use of hypoglycemic drugs. This study aims to investigate the effects of some hypoglycemic drugs such as Biguanide (metforming), sulfonylureas (gliclizide), thiazolinediones (Pioglitazone) and Dipeptidyl-peptidase-4 inhibitor (Sitagliptin) on serum electrolytes, urea and creatinine of diabetic rats. Forty-two (42) male albino Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups (n = 7). Group I (normal control), Group II (diabetic control), Group III (Metformin 500mg/kg), Group IV (Glicilizide 60mg/kg), Group V (Sitagliptin 100mg/kg), Group VI (Pioglitazone 30mg/kg). Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) was induced through a month high fat diet followed by 2 low doses of intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ). The drugs were administered orally once daily for 14 days. Blood samples were collected at the termination of the experiment and prepared for Biochemical assays. Result from the assay shows a significant increase of potassium in the group treated with sulfonylurea (SU) compared to other groups. Sodium level in DC and MET increased in comparison with NC (significant in comparison only with DC), DPP-4, TZD and SU. There was a significant increase of urea in group 2 (DC) when compared to the rest of the groups. There is no statistically significant difference in chloride and creatinine across all the groups. The findings of this research show minimal effect of induced diabetic and selected hypoglycemic drugs on serum electrolytes, urea and creatinine in diabetic rats.