BICARBONATE AND CHLORIDE LEVELS IN DIABETICS ATTENDING USMANU DANFODIYO UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL, SOKOTO

Abstract

ABSTRACT Diabetes mellitus is the most common metabolic disorder occasioned by derangement in glucose equilibration between the ECF and ICF. The derangement is known to affects the appropriate balance of electrolytes that serves as a buffer in the body. In this study bicarbonate and chloride levels were evaluated among outpatient diabetics as compared to non-diabetics control group attending UDUTH, Sokoto. The concentrations of fasting blood glucose were measured using Trinder’s method, while electrolytes were assayed using modified Van Slyke’s method (Titrimetric method) and modified thiocyanate methodfor bicarbonate and chloride respectively. Sixty (n=60) subjects were divided into two groups, Group A (Control group) consisted of 30 subjects; 12 males with mean plasma bicarbonate level of 23.3 ± 0.45 mmol/L, and chloride level of 99.6 ± 1.12 mmol/L, and 18 females with mean plasma bicarbonate level of 23.8 ± 0.41 mmol/L, and chloride level of 100.5 ± 0.75 mmol/L. Group B (diabetics) also consisted of 30 subjects; 12 males with mean plasma bicarbonate level of 21.6 ± 0.57 mmol/L, and chloride level of 98.3 ± 1.7 mmol/L, and 18 females with mean plasma bicarbonate level of 21.8 ± 0.41 mmol/L, and chloride level of 98.3 ± 1.83 mmol/L. A significant difference at p< 0.05 was observed in diabetic patients bicarbonate and chloride levels. The results from this study showed that the levels of bicarbonate and chloride in diabetics are significantly lower than normal control. Hence, the diabetic patients may be in danger of developing metabolic acidosis. Healthcare providers and takers should ensure that bicarbonate and chloride estimation is factored into investigations for the management of diabetes.