INTRODUCTION: An increase in the oxidative stress and a decrease in the antioxidant levels have been described in diabetic patients, that have been related with the etiopathogenesis of diabetes and its chronic complications. METHODS: We performed a non-systematic review to evaluate the relationship between oxidative stress and diabetes, and the possible effects of antioxidants in the prevention and treatment of diabetes and its complications. RESULTS: The intervention studies including different antioxidants have not demonstrated any beneficial effect on cardiovascular and global morbimortality in different populations, including diabetic patients. Neither of these studies has demonstrated a beneficial effect of antioxidant supplementation on the prevention of diabetes. According to these studies, these substances can decrease lipid peroxidation, LDL-cholesterol particles oxidation and improve endothelial function and endothelial-dependent vasodilatation, without significant improvement in the metabolic control of these patients. CONCLUSIONS: The current evidence does not support the use of high doses of antioxidants on the prevention and treatment of diabetes and its complications.
INTRODUCTION: An increase in the oxidative stress and a decrease in the antioxidant levels have been described in diabeticpatients, that have been related with the etiopathogenesis of diabetes and its chronic complications. METHODS: We performed a non-systematic review to evaluate the relationship between oxidative stress and diabetes, and the possible effects of antioxidants in the prevention and treatment of diabetes and its complications. RESULTS: The intervention studies including different antioxidants have not demonstrated any beneficial effect on cardiovascular and global morbimortality in different populations, including diabeticpatients. Neither of these studies has demonstrated a beneficial effect of antioxidant supplementation on the prevention of diabetes. According to these studies, these substances can decrease lipid peroxidation, LDL-cholesterol particles oxidation and improve endothelial function and endothelial-dependent vasodilatation, without significant improvement in the metabolic control of these patients. CONCLUSIONS: The current evidence does not support the use of high doses of antioxidants on the prevention and treatment of diabetes and its complications.