Carotenoids (1999) & glucose tolerance

research

Learn more about diabetic retinopathy.

Oxidative stress is one result of diabetes is characterized. Consequently there is an impact on vision.

Researchers took a look at data from part of the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1988-1991) and assessed alpha- and beta-carotene, cryptoxanthin, lutein/zeaxanthin, and lycopene concentrations in people aged 40-74 with a normal blood sugar levels, high blood sugar levels, recently diagnosed diabetes, and previously diagnosed diabetes. This data was adjusted for age, sex, race, education, serum cotinine, serum cholesterol, body mass index, physical activity, alcohol consumption, vitamin use, and carotene and energy intake.

The researcher's conclusions were that low blood serum carotenoid levels were directly related to increased risk for diabetes and insulin resistance.

Published: Ford, et al. Am J Epidemiol 1999 Jan 15;149(2):168-76