Insights on antioxidant therapeutic strategies in type 2 diabetes mellitus: A narrative review of randomized control trials

BACKGROUNDType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a metabolic disease of impaired glucose utilization. Imbalance in generation and elimination of free radicals generate oxidative stress which modulates glucose metabolism and insulin regulation, resulting in the occurrence and progression of diabetes and associated complications. Antioxidant supplements in T2DM can be seen as a potential preventive and effective therapeutic strategy.AIMTo compare randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in which antioxidants have been shown to have a therapeutic effect in T2DM patients.METHODSWe systematically searched the electronic database PubMed by keywords. RCTs evaluating the effect of antioxidant therapy on glycaemic control as well as oxidant and antioxidant status as primary outcomes were included. The outcomes considered were: A reduction in blood glucose; changes in oxidative stress and antioxidant markers. Full-length papers of the shortlisted articles were assessed for the eligibility criteria and 17 RCTs were included.RESULTSThe administration of fixed-dose antioxidants significantly reduces fasting blood sugar and glycated hemoglobin and is associated with decreased malondialdehyde, advanced oxidation protein products, and increased total antioxidant capacity.CONCLUSIONAntioxidant supplements can be a beneficial approach for the treatment of T2DM.

Automated summary

Antioxidant supplements can be an effective treatment approach for type 2 diabetes mellitus, resulting in significant reductions in blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin, as well as decreased oxidative stress and increased antioxidant capacity.