The role of antioxidants on oxidative stress in diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the literature on the role of oxidative stress in diabetes mellitus and search sources of promising antioxidants: pharmaceutical, dietary supplements, or investigational compounds. Data Sources: A preliminary literature search of PubMed (1966-June 2010) was performed, using the MeSH database when possible, with the terms antioxidants, oxidative stress, antioxidants and diabetes, insulin resistance, and antioxidants and diabetic neuropathy. Bibliographies of all articles retrieved were also reviewed. Study Selection and Data Extraction: All studies published in English with data describing the role of antioxidants and oxidative stress in humans or animals were included. Data Synthesis: Oxidative stress plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of diabetes and insulin resistance. α-Lipoic acid (ALA) and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) were shown to be potent antioxidants in several clinical trials, including the SYDNEY trial, SYDNEY 2 trial, and ALADIN III study, in diabetes with albuminuria, and in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome. Conclusions: ALA and NAC supplementations, along with a well-balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables containing antioxidants, provide a potential approach in the treatment of diabetes associated with oxidative stress.