Temporal changes in blood glucose levels and organ histopathology in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder marked by hyperglycemia due to insulin deficiency or resistance. Alloxan-induced diabetic rat models are widely used to study disease mechanisms and test interventions, yet detailed evaluations of the temporal relationship between hyperglycemia and multi-organ pathology are limited. Purpose: This study aimed to characterize time-dependent changes in blood glucose and histopathological alterations in the pancreas, liver, and kidneys of alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Methods: Male Wistar rats were assigned to three groups: control, diabetic for 14 days (A-14), and diabetic for 30 days (A-30). Diabetes was induced with a single intraperitoneal injection of alloxan monohydrate (150 mg/kg). Blood glucose and body weight were monitored every 2-3 days. Histological analysis was conducted at the end of each period. Results: Alloxan induced sustained hyperglycemia (>400 mg/dL), with peak levels of 508.25 mg/dL (A-14) and 544 mg/dL (A-30). A 42.9% dropout rate was recorded, likely due to hypoglycemic episodes shortly after alloxan administration. Diabetic rats showed progressive weight loss and tissue damage. Pancreatic sections revealed islet distortion, cellular degeneration, and vacuolization. The liver exhibited increasing sinusoidal congestion and hepatocyte degeneration, while the kidneys showed glomerular shrinkage, tubular epithelial vacuolization, and peritubular congestion over time. Conclusion: Alloxan-induced diabetes causes time-dependent hyperglycemia and histopathological damage in the pancreas, liver, and kidneys.