Issue 133 Item 13 CoQ10 Therapy Can Improve Glucose and Blood Pressure Control i

New study findings indicate.that treatment with coenzyme Q10 (CoQ) may help adults with type 2 diabetes to stabilize blood glucose levels and lower their blood pressure, Previous reports have shown that CoQ therapy can reduce blood pressure in hypertensive subjects. However, it was unclear if this effect also occurs in patients with diabetes. Furthermore, studies examining the effects of CoQ therapy on glucose control in diabetics have yielded inconsistent results.

Dr. J.M. Hodgson and colleagues, from the Royal Perth Hospital in Australia, conclude. "these results show that coenzyme Q10 supplementation may improve blood pressure and long-term glycemic control in subjects with type 2 diabetes, but these improvements were not associated with reduced oxidative stress."

The researchers assessed the outcomes of 74 adults with type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol who were randomized to receive coenzyme Q10 twice a day, 200 mg of fenofibrate once daily, both treatments, or neither treatment for 12 weeks. Study volunteers ranged in age from 31 to 75 years.

Patients who received coenzyme Q10 alone or in combination with the other supplement lowered their systolic blood pressure by an average of about 6 mm Hg. Diastolic blood pressure was reduced by an average of 3 mm Hg. Treatment with CoQ was also associated with better long-term control of blood sugar.

There was no effect of fenofibrate alone on blood pressure or glucose control, according to the report. Eur J Clin Nutr 2002;56:1137-1142.