Vitamin E & Diabetes: Discover The Antioxidant That Helps Ward Off Diabetes

Some scientists believe that the connection between being overweight and the development of type 2 diabetes might be found in the ratio of antioxidants to free radicals.

Antioxidant levels are typically low in overweight people, while research shows that the production of free radicals may increase in bodies that carry too much fat. This undesirable ratio lays the groundwork for a host of health problems, and may play a key role in the development of insulin resistance.

So - could a daily supplement of one of the most common antioxidants help overweight patients avoid type 2 diabetes? That question was tested recently by researchers at the University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand.

Upping the E
We'll start by defining one of the terms used by the Otago team: Alanine transferase (ALT) is a liver enzyme. A high level of this enzyme is associated with diabetes risk. But excess ALT can also indicate other serious health problems (more on that in a moment).

As reported in the journal Diabetes Care, the Otago researchers recruited 80 overweight men and women whose ages ranged from 31 to 65. To test the effects of vitamin E on glucose and insulin, as well as ALT levels, half the group received 800 IU of vitamin E per day for three months, while the other half took a placebo. At the end of this first phase of the study, the dosage in the vitamin E group was increased to 1,200 IU for an additional three months.

At the end of the first three-month phase, both glucose and insulin levels were considerably reduced, lowering the likelihood of developing the insulin resistance that leads to type 2 diabetes. Unfortunately, the reduction in glucose and insulin levels did not remain steady through the second phase of the study. The researchers note that although vitamin E had a positive impact on oxidative stress, additional studies will be needed in order to clear up the mystery of the fluctuation in glucose and insulin.

But the ALT level was quite a different story.

Throughout the full six months of the study, ALT concentrations had a marked decline. This is significant because elevated ALT indicates the possible onset of diabetes, as well as cancer and other liver diseases.

I'll keep an eye out for further research that will, hopefully, confirm the Otago conclusion that vitamin E protects the liver while helping diabetics fight oxidative damage and control glucose and insulin levels.

Putting up good numbers
Of course, this isn't the first time we've seen evidence that vitamin E provides healthy benefits for diabetics.

Last year I told you about a Danish study in which vitamin E (680 IU daily) and vitamin C (1,250 mg daily) taken together reduced concentrations of a liver protein that damages the kidneys when it's elevated.

In addition a Finish study examined antioxidant intake in relation to the development of type 2 diabetes. In this study the diets of more than 4,300 non-diabetic subjects - aged 40 to 69 years - were followed for 23 years. During that time, the Finland team collected data on the intake of vitamin C, vitamin E tocopherols and tocotrienols, and six carotenoids (the fat soluble nutrients that give fruits and vegetables their green, yellow, orange and red pigments).

Researchers found that the highest vitamin E intake was significantly associated with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, compared to subjects with the lowest intake. Those with the highest intakes of a carotenoid found in oranges, papaya, peppers, corn and watermelon also reduced type 2 diabetes risk by more than 40 percent. No association between diabetes risk and vitamin C intake was found.

As I've mentioned in previous e-alerts, good sources of vitamin E include spinach, eggs, meat, poultry, fish, nuts and seeds, avocado, tomatoes, peaches, apples and blackberries. HSI Panellist Dr Allan Spreen, also recommends 400 IU of vitamin E daily, as well as 200 mcg of selenium for general antioxidant protection. And while it is possible to get too much selenium, a range of 200-400mcg daily is considered quite safe.

Vitamin E is well tolerated by most people. Nevertheless, diabetics who take high doses of this vitamin should discuss its use with their doctors.