Q10 supplements have a positive effect on diabetics’ cardiovascular system
Diabetes damages the circulatory system in a number of ways that are linked to impaired quality of life and early death. A meta-analysis shows that if type 2 diabetics take supplements of Q10 it lowers their risk of cardiovascular disease by reducing levels of total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. Another positive effect of Q10 is that it serves as a unique antioxidant that counteracts oxidative stress, which is a major cause of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular damage. One of the problems of using cholesterol-lowering statins is that it inhibits the body’s endogenous Q10 synthesis, but this is something one can compensate for. According to Danish research, it is also a good idea to limit your carbohydrate intake and follow the new dietary guidelines that help stabilize blood sugar levels.
Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disease with symptoms such as constant hunger, great thirst, and frequent urination. The early stage of type 2 diabetes is called metabolic syndrome and is characterized by insulin resistance that involves impaired glucose uptake in cells. Problems like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and hypertension may also occur. Over time, diabetes may result in cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetic eye disease, kidney failure, and even amputations. Diabetes is characterized by oxidative stress and chronic low-grade inflammation that can harm the epithelial cells of the blood vessels. Oxidative stress can also oxidize cholesterol, which is an essential compound, and cause it to rancidify and stick to the blood vessel walls. This sets the stage for atherosclerosis. Heart failure is the leading cause of death among type 2 diabetics, and type 2 diabetes is believed to reduce life expectancy by around 10 years.
Q10 has a positive effect on blood sugar levels and circulation
Q10 is a coenzyme that is important for cellular energy turnover. It is also a powerful antioxidant that protects cells, cholesterol, and the circulatory system against oxidative stress caused by free radicals. The human body produces most of its own Q10. However, when we enter our twenties, our endogenous synthesis of the compound gradually decreases.
Q10 has a documented effect on cardiovascular diseases, although Q10’s impact on cardiovascular ailments in diabetes has not been thoroughly investigated. The scientists behind the new meta-analysis looked at 12 studies that included a total of 650 patients with diabetes and metabolic syndrome. They found that Q10 supplementation was able to improve the blood sugar balance in type 2 diabetics compared with placebo. Levels of HbA1c – an important indicator of long-term glycemic control – was lowered in the group that took Q10. This reading shows their blood sugar levels over a period of around 8-12 weeks.
Eight of the studies showed that Q10 has a positive effect on a disrupted lipid metabolism by lowering levels of total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. Also, the scientists mention the fact that Q10, thanks to its role as an antioxidant, protects against chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. This is highly relevant because diabetics typically have chronic low-grade inflammation and oxidative stress that can damage the epithelial cells of the blood vessels.
One study demonstrated that daily supplementation with 200 mg of Q10 for three months reduced oxidative stress and lowered the risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.
Statins and Q10
Most diabetics take statins to lower their cholesterol. These drugs also inhibit the body’s endogenous production of Q10. In their meta-analysis, the scientists address the fact that diabetics already have reduced levels of Q10 in their heart muscle tissue compared with the levels found in healthy individuals. The lack of Q10 may also explain why diabetics have higher cardiovascular mortality. Q10 is of vital importance to the heart and its ability to produce energy for around-the-clock pumping. Also, Q10’s role as an antioxidant enables it to protect against oxidative stress. The unwanted side effects of taking statins can be compensated for with a Q10 supplement. The Meta-analysis is published in Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism.
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Q10 supplements must have the right quality
It is difficult for the digestive system to absorb Q10. For that reason, it is essential to choose a Q10 preparation with documented bioavailability. Most studies of Q10 and diabetes have been conducted using a daily dose of 200 mg. For optimal utilization of the compound, it is a good idea to split this dose into two doses of 100 mg each.
New dietary guidelines for diabetics suggest fewer carbohydrates
Since the 1970’s, diabetics have been advised to stick with a low-fat diet with bread, potatoes, and other carbohydrate sources. However, a new Danish study has shown that is it better to cut back on dietary carbohydrates and this study supports earlier American research. Diabetics may even benefit from eating a typical Stone Age diet or anti-inflammatory diet. There are many recipe books about these diets on the market.
References:
Yoana Rabanal-Ruiz, Emilio Lianos-Gonzáles and Francisco Javier Alcain. The Use of Coenzyme Q10 in Cardiovascular Diseases. Antioxidants 10 May 2021
Phiwayinkosi V. Dludia et al. The impact of coenzyme Q10 on metabolic and cardiovascular disease profiles in diabetic patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism
Sabbatinelli et al. Ubiquinol Ameliorates Endothelial Dysfunction in Subjects with Mild-to-Moderate Dyslipidemia: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Nutrients
Bispebjerg Hospital. Færre kulhydrater forbedrer type-2 diabetikeres evne til at regulere blodsukkeret. Nyhedsbrev 10. august 2019
Mads J Skytte et al. A Carbohydrate-reduced high-protein diet improves HbA1c and liver fat content in weight stable participants with type 2 diabetes: a randomized trial. Diabetologica. First online 23 July 2019
Pernille Lund: Q10 - fra helsekost til epokegørende medicin. Ny Videnskab 2014
Pernille Lund. Sådan får du styr på dit blodsukker og din vægt. Ny videnskab 2013
