The effect of Q10 supplementation on blood glucose regulation

Disturbed blood glucose regulation is associated with fatigue, overweight and a range of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, PCOS and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Diet and lifestyle are known to play an important role, but there are also indications that Q10 supplementation may have a moderate positive effect on blood glucose control in patients with type 2 diabetes. This is shown by a new umbrella review published in Endocrinology Diabetes & Metabolism. The authors also discuss why many people with diabetes have low Q10 levels and the role Q10 plays in energy metabolism and as an important antioxidant.

We get our energy-yielding nutrients from carbohydrates, fats and protein. Carbohydrates have the most direct effect on blood glucose, which, in the form of glucose, should provide a constant supply of energy to the cells. When we consume carbohydrates, the pancreas produces the hormone insulin, which enables glucose to enter the cells. Stable blood glucose levels are essential for energy metabolism, health and general well-being.
However, modern diets, particularly those high in refined carbohydrates, increase the risk of insulin resistance, in which the cells gradually become less able to take up glucose from the blood. The pancreas then produces more and more insulin in an effort to compensate. Persistently elevated blood glucose combined with high insulin levels and insulin resistance may eventually result in a range of metabolic disturbances and an increased risk of weight gain, high blood pressure, an unhealthy blood lipid profile (triglycerides, LDL and HDL), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome).
Although diet plays a major role in the development of type 2 diabetes, several meta-analyses suggest that Q10 supplementation may help regulate blood glucose. However, it has been unclear whether Q10 supplementation affects fasting blood glucose (FBS), long-term blood glucose (HbA1c) and other parameters related to blood glucose. This was investigated in greater detail by the researchers behind the new umbrella review.

Q10 improves several blood glucose-related markers

The researchers identified eight relevant meta-analyses from different countries through a systematic search of several databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane. Participants had overweight, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, PCOS or other metabolic disorders. In the studies, participants received either daily Q10 supplementation (110–376 mg) or placebo. The treatment periods ranged from 8 to 15 weeks.
The quality and findings of the individual studies were assessed separately using a specific analytical method known as the AMSTAR Tool.
Overall, the meta-analyses revealed that Q10 supplementation was associated with a reduction in fasting blood glucose, indicating improved glucose uptake. In addition, the analysis of the studies showed that Q10 supplementation had the following effects:

• Significant reduction in fasting blood glucose (FBS)
• Significant reduction in long-term blood glucose (HbA1c)
• Significant reduction in HOMA-IR, which reflects insulin resistance
• Significant reduction in elevated insulin levels

Based on these findings, the researchers conclude that Q10 supplementation may have a moderate and positive effect on blood glucose control in patients with type 2 diabetes. They also conclude that the analytical approach used to assess the various studies may be an important factor. In this context, attention should be paid to factors such as the quality of different Q10 preparations, the daily dosage and the duration of supplementation.

Why does Q10 have a positive effect on blood glucose?

When glucose is taken up by the cells, it must be converted into energy according to the cells’ needs. This energy metabolism takes place in the mitochondria, where Q10 plays a crucial role in the production of chemically concentrated energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate). Q10 also contributes to the breakdown of ATP in the mitochondria, releasing the energy needed for brain function, muscle activity, insulin production and more.
In addition, Q10 acts as an important antioxidant that protects cells against damage caused by oxidative stress. This is a condition in which there are too many harmful free radicals relative to protective antioxidants.
Overall, type 2 diabetes is associated with oxidative stress and chronic inflammation due to metabolic dysfunction. It is therefore assumed that Q10 supplementation may be a promising strategy for improving mitochondrial dysfunction caused by oxidative stress.
There are also indications that higher doses of Q10 may reduce insulin levels in the blood, reduce inflammation and affect the AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) signaling pathway, which regulates cellular energy production and energy expenditure.

Why are people with diabetes more likely to have low Q10 levels?

We produce Q10 ourselves, but endogenous production gradually declines after the age of 20. Many people notice this especially after the age of 50 in the form of declining vitality. In addition to the normal ageing process, people with diabetes are more likely to have low Q10 levels because chronic oxidative stress and chronic inflammation increase the body's need for Q10.
In addition, the use of cholesterol-lowering statins inhibits the body’s own production of Q10. This is because statins block the enzyme HMG-CoA, which is involved in the production of both cholesterol and Q10.

Supplementation and quality

As mentioned above, participants in the umbrella meta-analysis received relatively high doses of Q10, ranging from 110–376 mg per day. Q10 supplements on the market typically contain doses of 50 or 100 mg. Since we can only absorb around 100 mg of Q10 at a time, higher doses should be divided throughout the day.
It is also important to choose a Q10 supplement of well-documented quality to ensure that the Q10 is absorbed into the bloodstream and reaches the cells.

References

Vali Musazadeh et al. Effects of Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation on Glycemic Control Biomarkers: An Umbrella Review of Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials. Endocrinology Diabetes & Metabolism 2026

Ying Liang et al. Effects of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on glycemic control: A GRADE-assessed systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. ELSEVIER ClinicalMedicine 2022.