Published online Jun 15, 2023. doi: 10.4239/wjd.v14.i6.919
Peer-review started: December 19, 2022
First decision: January 5, 2023
Revised: January 11, 2023
Accepted: May 11, 2023
Article in press: May 11, 2023
Published online: June 15, 2023
Processing time: 177 Days and 17.5 Hours
Type 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.
To compare randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in which antioxidants have been shown to have a therapeutic effect in T2DM patients.
We 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.
The 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.
Antioxidant supplements can be a beneficial approach for the treatment of T2DM.
Core Tip: Antioxidant supplementation reduces oxidative stress in diabetes. Antioxidant supplementation is a potential therapeutic approach for type 2 diabetes mellitus.