Oxidative Stress Management in Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes mellitus is characterised by chronic hyperglycaemia that precipitates the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and consequent oxidative stress. This imbalance between pro-oxidants and endogenous antioxidant defences contributes to β-cell dysfunction, insulin resistance and vascular complications. Elevated ROS levels inflict damage on cellular proteins, lipids and nucleic acids, driving microvascular and macrovascular sequelae. Effective management strategies encompass direct scavenging of free radicals, upregulation of endogenous defence pathways such as the Nrf2 axis, inhibition of advanced glycation endproduct formation and modulation of carbohydrate-metabolising enzymes. A multimodal approach combining pharmacological agents, nutritional supplementation, phytochemicals and emerging nanotechnology platforms aims to restore redox homeostasis, attenuate inflammation and preserve organ function. Translational efforts focus on optimising bioavailability, minimising adverse effects and integrating antioxidant therapies into standard glycaemic control regimens, with a view to mitigating the global burden of diabetic complications.

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Oxidative Stress Management in Diabetes Mellitus publication trend

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Technical terms

Reactive oxygen species (ROS): Highly reactive molecules formed by the partial reduction of oxygen that can damage cellular components.

Oxidative stress: A state in which the production of ROS exceeds the capacity of antioxidant defences, leading to molecular damage.

Advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs): Harmful compounds formed when sugars react non-enzymatically with proteins or lipids, contributing to diabetic complications.

α-Amylase: An enzyme that catalyses the breakdown of complex carbohydrates into simpler sugars, impacting postprandial glucose levels.

α-Glucosidase: An enzyme that hydrolyses disaccharides into glucose, targeted to slow carbohydrate absorption and mitigate hyperglycaemia.

Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2): A transcription factor that regulates the expression of antioxidant and cytoprotective genes.

References

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2. Oxidative stress and the use of antioxidants in diabetes: Linking basic science to clinical practice. Cardiovascular Diabetology (2005).
3. Enzyme inhibitory and antioxidant activities of traditional medicinal plants: Potential application in the management of hyperglycemia. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies (2012).
4. Nutritional supplements modulate fluorescent protein-bound advanced glycation endproducts and digestive enzymes related to type 2 diabetes mellitus. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies (2016).