High dietary salt intake alleviates fasting blood glucose in streptozotocin-induced diabetic male Wistar rats
Jerome Ndudi Asiwe, Kenneth Kelechi Anachuna, Emuesiri Goodies Moke, Kamaldeen Olalekan Sanusi, David Ehikhuemen Okonofua, Oghenerukevwe Omeru, Adesoji Adedipe Fasanmade
Abstract
Objectives: Hypertension and type 2 diabetes are common comorbidities. Studies have shown that hypertension is twofold as common in diabetic patients compared with non-diabetics. Excessive intake of dietary salt has reportedly caused increase in blood pressure. This study investigated the effects of high dietary salt intake on diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight animals were randomly selected into four groups (n = 7). Group 1 (normal control), fed with standard rats’ feed; Group 2 (diabetic control), streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats fed with normal diet; Group 3 (salt control), fed with 8% salt (high salt) diet; Group 4 (test group), streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats fed with high salt diet. Fasting blood glucose was monitored every 7 days. After 28 days of the study, blood pressure measurement was taken using tail cuff non-invasive method (CODA). Histology of the pancreas and kidney was done using hematoxylin and eosin staining. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results and Conclusion: Glucose levels of the test group reduced significantly when compared with the diabetic control group. This study suggests that high dietary salt intake plays a role, not only in reducing fasting blood glucose in a manner that is not yet understood but also causes distortion in the histomorphology of the pancreas and renal tissues.