Evolution of serum alpha-tocopherol in the postprandial and postabsorptive phases in type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Blood glucose, lipids, alpha-tocopherol, and malondialdehyde were monitored in type 1 diabetes mellitus patients for 8 hours after a standard fat-rich breakfast and lunch. Although glucose and triglycerides increased, alpha-tocopherol decreased and malondialdehyde increased in the postprandial phase. In the postabsorptive phase values returned to fasting levels. These results point to the possible relevance of postprandial alpha-tocopherol depletion and lipid peroxidation to an increased cardiovascular risk in these patients.