Józef Sławatycki, Paula Klemenska, Michał Wiciński

Evaluating the role of coenzyme Q10 in the management of diabetes mellitus type 2 – a review of current studies

 

 

2025-09-12

Research Subject. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder whose global prevalence represents a major public health challenge in the 21st century. The pathophysiology of T2DM is complex and multifactorial, including insulin resistance, pancreatic -cell dysfunction, impaired glucose and lipid metabolism, chronic inflammation, and oxidative stress. In recent years, increasing scientific attention has been directed towards the role of oxidative stress in the onset and progression of T2DM. Excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the disruption of redox homeostasis contribute to cellular damage, exacerbate insulin resistance, and play a significant role in the development of metabolic and vascular complications. Consequently, antioxidant compounds are being investigated for their potential to support the treatment of T2DM, particularly through the reduction of oxidative stress. Coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone, CoQ10), a naturally occurring endogenous compound with antioxidant properties, plays a key role in the mitochondrial respiratory chain and may exert beneficial effects in alleviating metabolic disturbances associated with diabetes.

Aim of Study. The aim of this study is to discuss the significance of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes and to present up-to-date findings on the potential therapeutic benefits of CoQ10 supplementation. Based on a review of recent scientific literature, this paper explores the biochemical and pharmacokinetic properties of CoQ10 and summarizes clinical trial outcomes involving patients with T2DM. Particular emphasis is placed on the effects of CoQ10 on glycemic control, lipid profile, blood pressure, insulin resistance, body mass index (BMI), and body weight.

Materials and Methods. The article is based on data retrieved from scientific databases including, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus. Included sources comprise randomized clinical trials (RCTs), meta-analyses, and review articles, as well as observational and experimental studies published between 1997 and 2025. Keywords used during the literature search included “type 2 diabetes,” “coenzyme Q10,” “insulin resistance,” “antioxidants,” and “oxidative stress.”

Results. The reviewed studies indicate that CoQ10 supplementation (typically at doses ranging from 100 to 300 mg per day for 8 to 12 weeks) resulted in reductions in fasting blood glucose levels, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), lipid profile parameters, body weight, and blood pressure. Additionally, improvements in peripheral insulin sensitivity were observed. Supplementation also led to a decrease in markers of oxidative stress and inflammation.

Conclusions. Based on current evidence, CoQ10 appears to be a valuable adjunct to standard T2DM therapy due to its antioxidant properties and its favorable impact on glucose metabolism. However, further research is needed to assess its long-term efficacy and safety.

Keywords: oxidative stress, antioxidants, coenzyme Q10, insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus type 2.

© Farm Pol, 2025, 81(1): 43–51