How Glutathione Decreases Diabetes Risk

Ok, we have all heard of diabetes. What is glutathione though? You need to know about glutathione. Research has found a link between diabetes and glutathione.

According to Wiley InterScience, "Increasing evidence in both experimental and clinical studies suggests that oxidative stress plays a major role in the pathogenesis of both types of diabetes mellitus. Free radicals are formed disproportionately in diabetics."

"Abnormally high levels of free radicals and the simultaneous decline of antioxidant defense mechanisms can lead to the development of insulin resistance. These consequences of oxidative stress can promote the development of complications of diabetes mellitus."

Diabetics also have low levels of intracellular glutathione.

According to Science Direct, "Analyses of whole blood glutathione showed that glutathione was significantly lower in diabetic cases compared to the other groups...."

"The high levels of oxidative stress and the low glutathione levels further complicates the diabetic state which leads to even higher levels of oxidative stress and even lower levels of glutathione."

"Furthermore, inflammation leads to and contributes to insulin resistance. Glutathione, on top of being the most potent antioxidant, is also a powerful ant-inflammatory."


J. Investig Medical states, "...there is evidence for increased oxidative stress in diabetics. With regard to diabetes, antioxidants supplementation have been shown to be beneficial. Thus, it appears that, in diabetes, antioxidant therapy could alleviate the increased attendant oxidative stress and emerge as an additional therapeutic modality."

And, ScienceDaily concludes, "Researchers at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) School of Medicine have discovered that inflammation leads to insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes."

So, what if you are pre-diabetic or diabetic? You may be able to reverse your medical condition with proper nutrition, regular exercise and healthy lifestyle habits.

There are two types of diabetes:

Type 1 - It is usually found in normal or underweight younger people. Type 1 diabetics usually inject insulin so that blood sugar can be delivered to the body's cells.

Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) levels can lead to dizziness, weakness and fainting. It is disturbing that more cases are happening where young people are beginning to have Type 2 diabetes also (due to obesity and lack of exercise).

Type 2 - This type of diabetes is associated with obesity, especially abdominal obesity. Type 2 diabetics usually produce enough insulin but their cells are insulin resistant. This can result in hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). If left uncorrected, it leads to kidney, heart, eye and nerve damage.

As a personal trainer, I'm trying to help the client avoid hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia during and after exercise. As a diabetic, you should keep a snack on hand for a quick source of carbohydrates to avoid hypoglycemia.

Other exercise considerations for diabetics:

1) Glucose levels should be measured before, during and after exercise (especially for those newly diagnosed).

2) Quality footwear is important and the feet should be checked often for blisters.

3) Post-exercise carbohydrate consumption is advisable.

4) You can do strength training. The workload should be monitored carefully.

5) Low impact aerobics work well for diabetics.

6) Exercise can have an insulin-like affect on the body (i.e., exercise-induced hypoglycemia).

If you need to get started eating better:

Eat These 3 Foods to Burn More Belly Fat

Mark Dilworth, BA, PES
Your Fitness University
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About Mark

Hi, I'm Mark Dilworth, Nutritionist, Dietary Strategies Specialist, Nutrition for Metabolic Health Specialist and Lifestyle Weight Management Specialist. Since 2006, I have helped thousands of clients and readers make lifestyle habit changes which includes body transformation and ideal body weight.