Curcuminoids improve lipids 
Those with type 2 diabetes are more likely to have heart and circulatory problems, and abnormal lipid levels. Curcuminoids are natural compounds found in turmeric, and earlier evidence suggests anti-diabetic and lipid- regulating benefits, but few studies have measured the effect of curcuminoids on lipids in type 2 diabetes.
In this study, 118 people aged 18 to 65 with type 2 diabetes took a placebo or a daily supplement containing 1,000 mg of curcuminoids plus 10 mg of piperine; the fragrant compound in black pepper that helps improve absorption.
After 12 weeks, those taking curcuminoids saw total cholesterol decline by 21.86 mg per deciliter of blood (mg/dL) compared to 17.06 for placebo. Non-HDL cholesterol decreased by 23.43 mg/dL vs. 16.84 for placebo, and HDL, the “good” cholesterol, increased 1.56 mg/dL for curcuminoids while decreasing slightly for placebo.
Vitamin E reduces kidney disease
Oxidative stress plays a large role in developing and advancing diabetic kidney disease (DKD), a common complication in type 2 diabetes. Doctors wanted to know which antioxidants might slow DKD, and analyzed results from 15 relevant studies covering 4,345 DKD participants that looked at vitamins B6, C, and E, glutathione, lipoic acid, silymarin, and zinc, alone or in combination.
Overall, antioxidants reduced albuminuria; when the kidneys excrete excess levels of the protein albumin in the urine, an early sign of DKD. Vitamin E in particular was most likely to reduce early kidney damage, with those taking 480 mg to 1,200 mg of vitamin E per day having the best results.
Reference: Complementary Therapies in Medicine; August, 2017, Vol. 33, 1-5, Published Online
Natural Insights for Well Being November 2017
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