The Role of Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Therapy in the Progression of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: An Experimental and Clinical Study

Abstract

Background: Oxidative stress is increasingly recognized as a key factor in the pathogenesis of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Free radical accumulation damages pancreatic β-cells, reduces insulin secretion, and exacerbates insulin resistance. However, the therapeutic benefit of antioxidant supplementation in T2DM remains unclear. Objective: To investigate the role of oxidative stress markers in T2DM patients and evaluate the efficacy of antioxidant therapy in improving glycemic control and reducing oxidative burden. Methods: A two-part study was conducted. (1) Clinical Study: 120 patients with T2DM and 60 healthy controls were assessed for oxidative stress biomarkers (MDA, SOD, GSH, and TAC) and glycemic indices (FBS, HbA1c, HOMA-IR). (2) Experimental Study: Male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups: control, diabetic, diabetic + vitamin E, and diabetic + vitamin C. Biochemical assays, histopathology of pancreatic tissues, and insulin levels were measured after 8 weeks. Results: T2DM patients exhibited significantly elevated MDA levels (p < 0.001) and reduced antioxidant enzymes compared to controls. Antioxidant supplementation in patients resulted in a 15% reduction in HbA1c and significant improvement in TAC. In experimental rats, vitamin E and C restored pancreatic islet structure, reduced oxidative stress, and improved insulin secretion. Conclusion: Oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in T2DM progression. Antioxidant therapy, particularly vitamin E, demonstrates significant protective effects on β-cell integrity and improves glycemic control. Antioxidants may serve as adjunctive therapy in T2DM management.

Keywords: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Oxidative Stress, Antioxidants, Vitamin E, Pancreatic β-cells