[Vanadium compounds--a new class of therapeutic agents for the treatment of diabetes mellitus].

Vanadium compounds as insulin mimics with promising therapeutic properties are reviewed. The biological effects of both inorganic forms of vanadium and vanadyl organic complexes are decried for various animal models. These effects include hypoglycemic and insulin reserve actions, insulin sensitivity enhance, cholesterol lowering and other manifestations. The effectiveness of vanadium compounds in diabetes treatment is confirmed with clinical trials. The possible mechanisms of insulin-like effects of vanadium are discussed. The various nutritional supplements for patients with diabetes mellitus including vanadium-contained used in Russia and abroad are also considered.