Retinoids have therapeutic action in type 2 diabetes.

Objective: Uncontrolled diabetes is associated with a compromised antioxidant state of the body. Consequentially, the reactive oxygen species generated lead to oxidative insult and associated complications. Based on this paradigm, exogenous antioxidant supplementation is thought to exert a therapeutic role in type 2 diabetes (T2-D) biology.

Methods: In the present study, the effect of vitamin A supplementation was assessed on disease progression in T2-D BALB/c mice. Animals were divided into three groups. With the exception of control, the mice in remaining groups were induced with experimental T2-D. After a 15-day treatment protocol, the mice were sacrificed and various parameters were analyzed.

Results: The treated group evidenced a considerable improvement in total antioxidant potential and glycemic control. A therapeutic effect on beta cell degeneration as compared to the diabetic group was also found.

Conclusions: The study illustrates the antihyperglycemic and antioxidant potential of vitamin A in vivo, which has potential to serve as a dietary intervention in T2-D.