Oxidative stress, type 2 diabetes and vitamin D: past, present and future

Oxidative stress refers to an imbalance between potentially harmful free radicals and the body's mechanisms to efficiently detoxify them in favor of the free radicals. Consequently, excess free radicals can attack and damage a wide range of biomolecules including proteins, lipids and nucleic acids. Antioxidant mechanisms of the body are under the influence of genetic and environmental (including dietary) factors. Diabetes is one of the most common metabolic disorders around the world. A huge body of evidence indicates a role for oxidative stress in development of many human diseases including diabetes. In this article, the latest information on the possible links of oxidative stress with diabetes development, control and complications as well as the newest results of antioxidant supplementation trials is reviewed. In addition, the possible role of vitamin D, as a newly recognized antioxidant in diabetes is discussed. Finally, concluding remarks on pivotal issues and future studies are presented.