# Antioxidant Nutrients and Diabetes and Its Complications: A Narrative Review on the Roles of Vitamin E, Vitamin C, and Selenium

## TL;DR

This review explores how vitamin E, vitamin C, and selenium may help prevent or reduce diabetes and its complications by lowering oxidative stress.

## Contribution

The paper provides a narrative review of antioxidant nutrients' potential roles in diabetes management and complications.

## Key findings

- Antioxidants like vitamin E, selenium, and vitamin C may reduce oxidative stress and improve glycemic control.
- Findings are inconsistent, highlighting the need for personalized approaches and further clinical trials.
- A diet rich in antioxidant-containing foods is recommended to support metabolic health.

## Abstract

This narrative review summarizes the evidence on vitamin E, vitamin C, and selenium in preventing or mitigating diabetes, diabetic neuropathy, and associated complications. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in MEDLINE for English language studies from January 2000 to April 2025 using terms such as “vitamin E,” “selenium”, “antioxidant”, “diabetes”, and “neuropathy”. Randomized clinical trials were included without grading restrictions. Antioxidants such as vitamin E, selenium, and vitamin C show potential in reducing oxidative stress, improving glycemic control, and alleviating diabetic complications. However, findings are inconsistent, emphasizing the need for personalized approaches and further trials to clarify their therapeutic roles. A balanced diet rich in antioxidant-containing foods continues to be recommended to support metabolic health and reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications.