Diabetes, Resveratrol and Glucose Levels
Reveratrol, a compound found in red wine, could lower blood sugars but the side-effects might prevent its benefits. Research presented May 16, 2008 at the pediatric endocrinology unit at the Case Western Reserve in Ohio stated that “ all the studies we have to date have focused primarily on the GLUT 4 glucose transporters on the muscle tissue and adipose tissue”. This study looked at the GLUT 1 transporter cells.
Resveratrol is a naturally occurring chemical found in grapes that has been shown to have cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic and antiviral properties. It is considered to be “anti-aging” by the media and is one of the hottest supplements in town.
Research continues on the properties and mechanisms of resveratrol for many parameters. Using clone 9 cells, known for their unique and exclusive expression of GLUT1 isoforms’ and extracts of resveratrol glucose transport was studied.
The results showed that in cells expressing the GLUT1 isoform, resveratrol blocks glucose transport by binding and inhibiting the GLUT 1 transporter. This could be a big issue with the preventive use of resveratrol as it is the brain, retina, placenta and red blood cells that express a large amount of this up- regulator. The study concluded that reservatrol helps lower blood sugar by stimulating the GLUT 4 transporters found in the tissues, particularly skeletal tissue.
Resveratrol is a very important supplement on the market, but needs more research and possible development before there is enough evidence to make recommendations, particularly where diabetes is concerned. Health professionals should be aware of potential drug /nutrient interactions as use of resveratrol with insulin or oral hypoglycemics may cause an unexpected drop in blood sugars as we have no standardized dosages for blood sugar control established.
About the Author
Kathy Shattler received her Master of Science degree from Michigan State University in E. Lansing Michigan in Human Nutrition. Her twenty-two years of practice includes holding positions as a Lecturer, Chief Clinical Dietitian and Program Manager. Kathy is the Founder of Nutri-Care Consulting and is currently the Nutrition Director of www.CEU4U.COM, an online continuing education management company for Registered Dietitians and Dietetic Technicians.
