Improved glycemic control either alone, or combined with antioxidant supplementation, fails to restore blood glutathione or markers of oxidative stress in adolescents with poorly controlled type 1 diabetes.

In earlier studies, we showed that adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) have significant glutathione (GSH) depletion and that GSH is reciprocally related to glycemic control. In both the general population and in those with diabetes, the use of over-the-counter antioxidant supplements is widespread. We hypothesized that improved glycemic control, alone or in combination with dietary antioxidants, would restore blood GSH pool. The study included 41 participants who were 15.8 ± 2.4 years of age (mean ± standard deviation) and with poorly controlled T1DM (hemoglobin A1c [HbA1c] 8.2 ± 0.6%). Erythrocyte GSH, and 3-nitrotyrosine, F2-isoprostane, and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxy-guanosine (as markers of protein, lipid, and DNA oxidative stress, respectively) were determined in the postabsorptive state after blood glucose was maintained overnight near euglycemia. Participants were then randomized to a mix of antioxidants (vitamin C, selenium, zinc, vitamin E, β-carotene) or placebo for 3 to 6 months, and diabetes management was intensified using CSII (n = 30) or multiple daily injections (n = 11) coupled with CDE phone calls and visits with a Nutritionist. A second, identical study was performed when/if a drop in HbA1c ≥0.5% was achieved. HbA1c levels dropped similarly in both groups (from 8.9 ± 1.0% to 7.9 ± 0.9% and 8.5 ± 0.6% to 7.7 ± 0.7% in placebo and antioxidant group, respectively). Neither total nor reduced GSH was altered by improved metabolic control. Markers of protein, lipid, and DNA oxidation remained unaltered. We conclude that, in youngsters with T1DM, neither a significant improvement in diabetes control over a 3-month period nor the regimen of dietary antioxidant supplied in the current study can mitigate oxidative stress. These findings suggest that, in adolescents with T1DM, (1) more sustained improvement of diabetes control may be needed to alleviate oxidative stress and (2) the putative benefit of antioxidant supplements remains to be proven.