Abstract: Serum ascorbate, cholesterol and total protein levels were estimated in 25 newly diagnosed non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) patients.They were between 24 and 73 years of age and were age and sex- matched. The findings were compared with those of control subjects. Plasma ascorbate concentrations were found to be significantly lower (P<0.005) in NIDDM patients than in healthy subjects. Cholesterol level was significantly higher (P<0.005) in the diabetic than in the control subjects while there was no difference in protein level. A significant (P<0.005) effect of fruit was observed consumption on plasma ascorbate levels. Urinary ascorbate was significantly higher (P<0.005) in the non-diabetic subjects than in the diabetic patients.