Diabetes and Antioxidant Vitamins

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic and metabolic disease which is characterized by poor glycemic control with an increasing prevalence worldwide. A rise in blood glucose levels causes an increase in oxidative stress which leads to the development and deterioration of diabetic complications. Although epidemiological studies have shown that the risk o f development o f diabetes is decreased by vegetable and fruit intake rich in antioxidants, no clear effects of antioxidants in diabetes can be obtained from clinical trials. However, when increased levels of oxidative stress markers and decreased levels of antioxidants in diabetic subjects are considered, it appears that the use o f antioxidants is a promising therapeutic strategy particularly in prevention of development or improvement of diabetic complications. In this review, the role of oxidative stress in diabetes and the effects of antioxidant vitamins such as A, C and E, and vitamin like substances such as alpha lipoic acid and coenzyme Q10 for reducing oxidative stress will be discussed.