Saudi Journal of Medicine (SJM)
Volume-3 | Issue-11 | 640-643
Original Research Article
The Levels Of Blood Glucose And Hemoglobin Among Malaria Infected Students In Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi, Anambra State, Southeast Nigeria
Ezeugwunne I.P, Ogbodo E.C, Anuligo U.F, Odumodu I.O, Analike R.A, Onuora I.J, Obi-Ezeani C.N, Onyegbule O.A, Oguaka V.N, Amah A.K
Published : Nov. 30, 2018
Abstract
This study was designed to investigate the levels of blood glucose and hemoglobin among malaria infected students in Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi, Anambra State, Southeast Nigeria. A total of 100 participants (75 malaria infected and 25 control subjects) aged between 18 and 30 years were randomly recruited for the study. Thereafter, 5mls of blood sample each was collected from the subjects and dispensed in unit quantity into fluoride oxalate and EDTA bottles respectively for the determination of malaria parasites, hemoglobin (Hb) and fasting blood glucose levels respectively using standard laboratory methods. The results revealed no significant difference in the mean fasting blood glucose level (p>0.05), but there was a significant decrease in the mean hemoglobin level in malaria infected students than in control (p=0.000) respectively. Also, there was no significant difference in the mean values of fasting blood glucose level obtained between students with heavy malaria infection and those with moderate malaria parasitemia (p>0.05), while the mean hemoglobin level observed in the students with heavy malaria parasitemia was significantly lower compared with students with moderate malaria parasitemia (p=0.000). The implication of this finding is that malaria infection depletes the hemoglobin level in infected persons, thus predisposing them to the risk of anaemia