Delta Tocotrienol May Help Improve Insulin Resistance in Diabetics

Vitamin E is an essential nutrient that contains tocotrienols and tocopherols. Tocotrienols exist in four different forms: alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-tocotrienols. A recent study suggests that delta tocotrienols may help improve insulin resistance and blood sugar control in diabetics.

Participants in the study included 110 adults with type 2 diabetes. They were given 250 mg of delta tocotrienols or a placebo daily for 24 weeks. Serum levels of glycemic control, oxidative stress, inflammatory biomarkers, and miRNAs expression were measured at baseline and at the end of the study period 

Participants in the delta tocotrienol group saw a 6.8% reduction in fasting blood glucose, a 7.6% reduction in insulin resistance, and a 13.1% reduction in HOMA-IR compared to the placebo group. They also saw a 10% reduction in inflammatory biomarkers compared to an increase in the placebo group. In addition, participants in the delta tocotrienol group saw a 9% reduction in oxidative stress compared to no change in the placebo group.

The study was conducted by researchers from the National University of Medical Sciences. It was published online ahead of print on April 25, 2021 in the journal Phytotherapy Research.