This free-radical fighter may help combat diabetes complications
The abnormally high glucose levels seen in diabetes is yet another source of oxidative stress to the body. Once again, antioxidants are the ready way to counteract this free-radical risk.
When cells are exposed to high levels of glucose, followed by astaxanthin, the antioxidant is able to suppress free-radical damage, as well as inflammation.1
Additional work with cells lines suggests that astaxanthin might prevent the progression of diabetic nephropathy (kidney damage).2 Animal model research finds similar benefits from astaxanthin in diabetic animals.3
References:
Kim YJ, et al. Protection against oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis of high-glucose-exposed proximal tubular epithelial cells by astaxanthin. J Agric Food Chem 2009;57(19):8793-7.
Manabe E, et al. Astaxanthin protects mesangial cells from hyperglycemia-induced oxidative signaling. J Cell Biochem 2008;103(6):1925-37.
Nakano M, et al. Effect of astaxanthin in combination with alpha-tocopherol or ascorbic acid against oxidative damage in diabetic ODS rats. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol 2008;54:329-34.
The abnormally high glucose levels seen in 
