New research finds link between antioxidants, increased diabetes risk

ST. LOUIS A new report in the Oct. 7 issue of Cell Metabolism, a Cell Press publication, found that low levels of free radicals - which commonly are perceived as damaging to a body and the reason behind the consumption of antioxidant vitamins - might actually prevent diabetes by improving the ability to respond to insulin signals.

"Our studies indicate that 'physiological' low levels of [free radicals] may promote the insulin response and attenuate insulin resistance early in the progression of Type 2 diabetes, prior to overt obesity and hyperglycemia," stated Tony Tiganis of Monash University in Australia.

Tiganis said whether antioxidants ultimately are good for people probably will depend on their state of health or disease. "In the case of early Type 2 diabetes and the development of insulin resistance, our studies suggest that antioxidants would be bad for you," he said.

Under some conditions, treatments designed to selectively increase ROS in muscle – if they can be devised – might even help, he said.