Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic diseases in which a person has high blood sugar, either because the body does not produce enough insulin, or because cells do not respond to the insulin that is produced. Prolonged high blood sugar levels can cause serious complications.
Antioxidants are very Important in Diabetes
Glutathione is the body's most powerful antioxidant, and has many positive benefits in people with diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance. Glutathione has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity in diabetics.
Clinical trials have demonstrated the therapeutic effects of antioxidants to reduce insulin resistance. Dr Lester Packer discusses the importance of glutathione in his bookAntioxidants in Diabetes Management:
Clinical trials have demonstrated the therapeutic effects of antioxidants to reduce insulin resistance. Dr Lester Packer discusses the importance of glutathione in his bookAntioxidants in Diabetes Management:
“Administration of glutathione was found to be advantageous in type 2 diabetics and those with impaired glucose tolerance (iGT). Glutathione improved insulin secretion in patients with iGT. Glutathione also improves insulin sensitivity in patients with type 2 diabetes after acute and chronic administration.”
Oxidative Stress and Diabetes
Reeds et al, 2002
Glutathione status is closely tied to the progression and severity of diabetes. People with poorly controlled diabetes often have significant depletion of blood glutathione levels. Many of the complications of diabetes are linked to oxidative damage due to the elevated blood sugar levels.
Complications that may arise as a result include damage to the large and small blood vessels ("peripheral vascular disease"); diabetic retinopathy; kidney disease; nerve damage ("neuropathy"); skin problems; dental problems; and increased risk of infection due to a weakened immune system.
As the body's "master antioxidant", glutathione helps to reduce oxidative stress and its consequences. Research studies have shown that supplementation with glutathione precursors may help to reduce oxidant induced diabetic complications such as those shown below.
Complications that may arise as a result include damage to the large and small blood vessels ("peripheral vascular disease"); diabetic retinopathy; kidney disease; nerve damage ("neuropathy"); skin problems; dental problems; and increased risk of infection due to a weakened immune system.
As the body's "master antioxidant", glutathione helps to reduce oxidative stress and its consequences. Research studies have shown that supplementation with glutathione precursors may help to reduce oxidant induced diabetic complications such as those shown below.
Diabetic retinopathy can lead to blindness
Up to 25% of diabetics develop foot problems due to reduced blood circulation or damaged nerves.
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Diabetes can affect the microcirculation in the kidney
Diabetes Affects the Blood Circulation
Unhealthy red blood cells as seen under the microscope, sticking together in "Rouleaux" or stacks.
In a toxic environment, red blood cells stick together and form"Rouleaux" or stacks. This is a very unhealthy state and increases the risk of many diseases. Rouleaux formation occurs in diabetes and is one of the reasons diabetics develop peripheral vascular disease and diabetic retinopathy. Rouleaux formation is also seen in patients with infections, multiple myeloma, inflammatory diseases and cancer.
When red blood cells stack together, it is often an indication of inflammation in the body. Glutathione has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and also improves the endothelial function of blood vessels. Increasing glutathione levels helps the red blood cells to circulate more freely and transport oxygen more effectively.
Normal red blood cells circulating freely
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