Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2) is one of the leading chronic diseases and a growing public health problem. There is evidence that oxidative stress plays a key role in the early stages of the disease. Vitamin E – α-tocopherol is a potential dietary antioxidant and an important component of cell membranes which apparently affects the lipid profile and insulin sensitivity of DM2 patients. Studies designed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the oxidative alterations in patients with DM2 are scarce. The evidence supporting the effect of α-tocopherol supplementation on lipid profile and insulin sensitivity of DM2 patients is still not clear. Future studies should consider the potential of this vitamin, evaluating the benefit of this low-cost supplementation alone or in combination with other antioxidants. In this respect, the therapeutic window in which antioxidant supplementation would be effective needs to be identified.