EFFECTS OF VANADIUM COMPOUNDS ON GLYCEMIC CONTROL IN TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS: A META-ANALYSIS OF COMPARATIVE STUDY ON RATS

Aim: To assess the effect of vanadium compounds on glycemic control in diabetic rats.

Methods: Eligible studies were identified by searching two databases; one search engine was also used for search of articles from different data bases using standardized terms and Boolean logic. Statistical analysis was performed with Meta Analyst software.

Results: 56 relevant studies were found but only 8 studies met the inclusion criteria for this meta-analysis. Meta-analysis was done for blood glucose level from a pooled sample of 84 vanadium treated and 80 control diabetic rats. The analysis generated a combined standardized mean difference (Std. mean difference) of -5.21 and p< 0.00001 for blood glucose level. Additionally, all the included studies lay in favor of vanadium treatment. The meta-analysis for average weight and plasma insulin level did not show significant variation between vanadium treated and control diabetic rats.

Conclusion: This meta-analysis reaffirmed that, vanadium compounds are able to reduce significantly blood glucose level and other base line measures like food intake and fluid intake without affecting plasma insulin level and average weight.