Resveratrol Lowers Glucose, Inflammation in Type 2 Diabetes
Quick Summary: A study found that taking resveratrol daily helped people with type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar, reduce inflammation, and lower oxidative stress. This was in addition to their regular diabetes medications.
What The Research Found
This research showed that resveratrol, a compound found in grapes and red wine, can be beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes. After taking 200mg of resveratrol daily for 24 weeks, participants saw improvements in their blood sugar levels, insulin resistance, and markers of inflammation and oxidative stress. This means resveratrol may help manage diabetes and potentially reduce the risk of complications.
Study Details
- Who was studied: 94 adults with type 2 diabetes who were already taking oral medications to control their blood sugar.
- How long: The study lasted for 24 weeks (about 6 months).
- What they took: Participants took either 200mg of resveratrol daily or a placebo (a dummy pill).
What This Means For You
If you have type 2 diabetes, this research suggests that adding resveratrol to your current treatment plan might help you manage your blood sugar and reduce inflammation. However, it's crucial to talk to your doctor before starting any new supplements. Resveratrol should not replace your prescribed medications. This study shows promise, but more research is needed.
Study Limitations
- The study involved a relatively small number of people.
- The study lasted only 6 months, so we don't know the long-term effects.
- The study only included people already taking diabetes medications.
- The study didn't look at how resveratrol affects other health problems related to diabetes.
- The study did not control for diet or exercise.
Technical Analysis Details
Key Findings
Resveratrol (200 mg/day) significantly improved glycemic control, reduced oxidative stress and inflammation, and modulated microRNA expression in type 2 diabetes patients. After 24 weeks, fasting glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, malondialdehyde (MDA), hs-CRP, TNF-α, and IL-6 decreased significantly versus placebo. Resveratrol also downregulated miR-34a, -375, -21, and -192 by >2-fold while upregulating miR-126 and -132. No adverse effects were reported.
Study Design
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel-group trial. 110 adults with type 2 diabetes on oral hypoglycemic drugs were randomized (resveratrol: n=55; placebo: n=55); 94 completed (resveratrol: n=45; placebo: n=46). Primary outcomes measured at baseline and 24 weeks included fasting glucose, insulin, HbA1c, lipids, inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-6, hs-CRP), oxidative stress (MDA), and circulating microRNAs.
Dosage & Administration
200 mg resveratrol administered once daily as a capsule for 24 weeks. Placebo group received identical cellulose capsules. All participants continued standard oral hypoglycemic therapy.
Results & Efficacy
Resveratrol induced statistically significant reductions versus placebo (mean difference [95% CI]):
- Fasting glucose: −0.50 mmol/L (−0.94 to −0.06)
- Insulin: −1.31 μIU/mL (−2.24 to −0.38)
- HOMA-IR: −0.83 (−1.37 to −0.29)
- MDA: −0.36 μmol/L (−0.61 to −0.11)
- hs-CRP: −0.35 mg/L (−0.70 to −0.01)
- TNF-α: −1.25 pg/mL (−1.90 to −0.61)
- IL-6: −1.99 pg/mL (−3.29 to −0.69)
All 95% CIs excluded zero (p<0.05). MicroRNA changes correlated with metabolic improvements.
Limitations
Small sample size (n=94 completers) limits statistical power. Short duration (24 weeks) precludes assessment of long-term clinical outcomes (e.g., cardiovascular events). Population restricted to patients on oral hypoglycemics; results may not generalize to insulin-dependent or treatment-naïve diabetics. No dietary/activity monitoring, potentially confounding results. MicroRNA mechanisms require mechanistic validation.
Clinical Relevance
Resveratrol (200 mg/day) may safely enhance standard diabetes therapy by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing inflammation/oxidative stress—key drivers of diabetic complications. The observed microRNA shifts suggest novel molecular pathways for adjunctive treatment. However, confirmatory trials with larger cohorts, diverse populations, and hard endpoints (e.g., retinopathy progression) are needed before clinical adoption. Patients should not replace prescribed medications with resveratrol.
Original Study Reference
Role of resveratrol supplementation in regulation of glucose hemostasis, inflammation and oxidative stress in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2: A randomized, placebo-controlled trial.
Source: PubMed
Published: 2022
📄 Read Full Study (PMID: 35240291)
