Every patient with type 2 diabetes needs to be aware of an important
new study from Israel that shows just how crucial it is for diabetics
to get ample amounts of vitamin E.
Cigarette smoke, excessive alcohol intake, radiation, environmental
pollutants and highly refined junk food. These are some of the most
common factors that prompt oxidative stress in the body, increasing
the risk of a wide range of health problems.
According to a new study published online in the Journal
Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology, an antioxidant
protein known as haptoglobin helps prevent inflammation in artery
walls and is a key element in preventing cardiovascular events such
as heart attack in type 2 diabetes patients.
Unfortunately, some diabetics have a haptoglobin gene called Hp 2-2
that's been linked to poor antioxidant protection and a greater risk
of heart problems.
A group of Israeli researchers conducted a study to test their
hypothesis that vitamin E supplements might boost antioxidant
protection and reduce cardiovascular events in diabetics with Hp 2-2.
The Israeli researchers note that the Hp 2-2 gene is present only in
a small percentage of the population. But given the importance of
vitamin E and the fact that no adverse effects were reported over the
18 months of this study, there would appear to be no downside for
diabetics who supplement with vitamin E, provided they first discuss
supplement usage with their doctors.
