Antioxidant Enzyme Activity and Lipid Peroxidation in Type 2 Diabetic Patients in Anambra State

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is associated with increased oxidative stress arising from chronic hyperglycaemia, which overwhelms endogenous antioxidant defence systems. This study evaluates antioxidant enzyme activity, specifically superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase, alongside malondialdehyde as a marker of lipid peroxidation in type 2 diabetic patients attending a general hospital in Anambra State, South East Nigeria. A case-control study design was adopted, enrolling 120 patients with established type 2 diabetes and 120 non-diabetic controls matched for age, sex, and body mass index. Fasting blood samples were collected, and biochemical assays were performed using standard spectrophotometric methods. Glycated haemoglobin, fasting blood glucose, and duration of diabetes diagnosis were also documented. The study aims to determine the extent of oxidative damage and antioxidant depletion in this population and to identify correlates of worse oxidative profiles. Analysis will be stratified by glycaemic control status to assess whether poor glycaemic control exacerbates oxidative stress beyond that observed in well-controlled patients. The findings will contribute to the rationale for antioxidant-supplementation strategies in type 2 diabetes management in South East Nigeria. Keywords: oxidative stress, antioxidant enzymes, lipid peroxidation, type 2 diabetes, Anambra State.