| The global prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) has increased exponentially over the last few decades. In Canada, the prevalence of T2DM was 7.2% in 1995 and is estimated to be 9.2% by 2025.; Diabetes mellitus is associated with an increased flux of reactive oxygen species and an alteration in the cellular redox system that results in a loss of reducing capacity, with repercussion on antioxidant defense system. The human body has a complex antioxidant defense system that includes the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT) along with the non-enzymatic antioxidants like Vitamin E, C, A, flavanoids and beta-carotene.; Flaxseed is one of the richest sources of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA-52%), and the lignan, secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG-0.6--1.8%), which has the antioxidant activity of inhibiting lipid peroxidation and scavenging produced free radicals specially hydroxyl radical. The effect of consuming flaxseed and flaxseed oil in people with T2DM has not been studied. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)... |
