IMPACT OF VITAMINS IN PREVENTION OF RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH TYPE-2 DIABETES MELLITUS

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common metabolic disorders that cause micro and macro vascular complications. Because of additive effects of hyperglycaemia and hyperlipidaemia for cardiovascular disease, serum lipid and glucose level should be closely monitored in diabetes. Chronic Hyperglycaemia resulting from diabetes has profound effects on nearly every system of the body. The toxic effects of hyperglycaemia may result from accumulation of nonenzymatically glycosylated products, increased sorbitol production in tissue, formation of diacylglycerol leading to activation of protein kinase C or by free radical generation. Since type 2 DM is a major public health problem, accounting for significant premature mortality and morbidity, every possible effort should be made to minimize its complications. Studies have shown that diabetes is accompa­nied by an increased oxidative damage to all the bimolecules. Enhanced oxidative stress contributes to the development of the diabetic complications. Over the last 5 years, a number of large observational studies have suggested an association between the onset of type 2 diabetes and Vitamin deficiencies. As vitamins have important effects on insulin action, serum lipid and glucose and may have impact on a number of pathways which may be of importance in the development of type 2 diabetes. This article reviews the evidence linking role of Vitamins in the prevention of risk factors associated with type 2 diabetes, and suggests current recommendations for supplementation and the most pertinent research on the use of key vitamins in diabetes management.