Published
Objectives: In this study, we investigated the therapeutic impacts of tocotrienols on serum and lipoprotein lipid levels in type 2 diabetic patients. Based on known tocotrienol rich fraction (TRF)-mediated decrease on elevated blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin A(1C) (HbA(1C)) in diabetic rats, we have also investigated the effect of TRF on these parameters.
Study design: Randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled design
Subjects: Subjects with type 2 diabetic and hyperlipidemia
Intervention: Tocotrienol-rich fraction versus placebo
Primary outcome: Serum total cholesterol and LDL levels
Methodology: Subjects were first treated to 60 days of TRF treatment after which their serum total lipids, TC and LDL-C were measured.
Results: Subjects showed an average decline of 23, 30, and 42% in serum total lipids, TC, and LDL-C, respectively. The goal in type 2 diabetics is to reduce LDL-C levels < or = 100mg/dl. In the present investigation tocotrienols mediated a reduction of LDL-C from an average of 179 mg/dl to 104 mg/dl. However, hypoglycemic effect of TRF was not observed in these patients because they were glycemically stable and their glucose and HbA(1) levels were close to normal values.
Conclusion: Daily intake of dietary TRF by type 2 diabetics will be useful in the prevention and treatment of hyperlipidemia and atherogenesis.