A Study of Some Physiological and Immunological Parameters in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Treated with Glucovance and Metformin

Abstract

     This study was designed to investigate and compare the physiological and immunological outcomes of Glucovance and Metformin therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The research was carried out between March 4 and September 4, 2025, at Baghdad Hospital, Medical City, Iraq. A total of 75 male participants, aged 40–50 years and weighing 65–120 kg, were recruited and divided into three equal groups: Group 1 (n = 25) received Glucovance for five years, Group 2 (n = 25) received Metformin for five years, and Group 3 (n = 25) served as healthy controls. The evaluated parameters included fasting glucose (FGS), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), adiponectin (ADP), interleukin-17 (IL-17), interleukin-23 (IL-23), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and vitamin B12. Blood samples were collected, stored at −20 °C, and analyzed using ELISA kits. The results revealed no significant differences between the two drug groups regarding HbA1c, FGS, and vitamin B12, although both showed significantly higher levels compared to the controls. ADP concentrations were markedly elevated in the Glucovance group, while IL-17 levels increased in the Metformin group. The levels of IL-23 were significantly higher in the Glucovance group compared to both the Metformin and the control groups. TAC values also differed significantly between the drug-treated groups, with both exceeding control values. These findings suggest that although Glucovance and Metformin provide comparable glycemic regulation, they differ in their immunological and oxidative stress profiles. Both treatments enhance insulin sensitivity and modulate immune responses, supporting their role in refining therapeutic strategies for T2DM management.