The impact of vitamin E on glycemic control and lipid profiles in type 2 diabetes patients

Diabetic complications have been related to hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia. Alpha –tochoferol has antioxidant effects and can improve lipid profiles. We evaluated the effect of vitamin E supplementation on glucose, insulin and lipid profiles in type 2 diabetic patients.

In a randomized clinical trial, 31 patients included 14 men and 17 women (51.9±5.9 year) with type 2 diabetes were randomly divided into treatment with vitamin E (800 mg/day) and placebo groups for 2 months. Plasma glucose, Insulin and lipid profiles were measured at the beginning and at the end of 3 months supplementation. The paired and independent t-test was used for analyzing of data.

Anthropometric indexes were stable throughout the study. Vitamin E administration lowered fasting plasma insulin concentrations (28.25±2.37 and 27.8±2.56, p<0.016) plasma triglyceride concentration (279.41±194.99 and 212.48±85.18 p <0.03). The plasma glucose and the other lipid profiles did not change after vitamin E consumption for 2 months.

We need more research to establish beneficial effect of vitamin E intake in type 2 diabetic patients.