A recent study by Shandong University has uncovered a significant link between higher consumption of tomatoes and lycopene and reduced mortality rates among adults with diabetes in the US.
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by elevated glucose levels due to impaired pancreatic β cell function and insulin resistance. The condition has become a global epidemic, exacerbated by rising obesity rates, and is now a leading cause of death worldwide. Individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) face heightened risks of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), such as heart failure and coronary heart disease, among other complications. Oxidative stress, resulting from an imbalance between reactive species and antioxidants, is a key factor in the progression of diabetes, contributing to complications like neuropathy and nephropathy.
The Shandong University study investigated the relationship between dietary intake of tomatoes and lycopene and mortality rates among US adults with diabetes. Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2007 to 2016, the research analyzed 9,213 diabetic adults. Dietary intake was assessed through two 24-hour dietary recalls, and multivariate Cox proportional hazard models were used to determine the associations between tomato/lycopene intake and mortality.
Findings revealed that higher tomato and lycopene intake was significantly linked to a lower risk of all-cause mortality. Specifically, those in the highest quintile of tomato consumption had a 32% lower risk of all-cause mortality compared to those in the lowest quintile (HR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.54-0.86, p = 0.001). Similarly, higher lycopene intake was associated with a 22% reduction in all-cause mortality risk (HR = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.64-0.95, p = 0.013). Additionally, high consumption of tomatoes and lycopene was linked to a reduced risk of cancer mortality, with the highest quintile of tomato intake showing a 42% lower risk of cancer mortality (HR = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.35-0.96, p = 0.035) and lycopene intake showing a 37% reduction (HR = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.40-0.98, p = 0.043).
These results suggest that dietary intake of tomatoes and lycopene could be beneficial in reducing mortality risks among adults with diabetes. The study’s findings align with previous research on the role of oxidative stress in diabetes pathogenesis. Oxidative stress, marked by an overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), leads to cellular damage and is implicated in the development of T2DM and its complications. Lycopene, a powerful antioxidant found in tomatoes, helps neutralize ROS, reducing oxidative stress and its harmful effects.
Furthermore, the study supports the notion that dietary antioxidants can play a significant role in managing diabetes and its associated risks. Previous studies have emphasized the importance of antioxidants in counteracting oxidative stress and preserving pancreatic β cell function, crucial for insulin production and glucose regulation. By incorporating antioxidant-rich foods like tomatoes into their diet, individuals with diabetes may improve their overall health outcomes and reduce the risk of complications.
In conclusion, the study by Shandong University provides compelling evidence that higher intake of tomatoes and lycopene is associated with a lower risk of all-cause and cancer mortality among US adults with diabetes. These findings underscore the potential benefits of dietary antioxidants in managing diabetes and highlight the importance of a balanced diet in mitigating the risks associated with this chronic condition.
Related topics:
COVID-19 Infection Hastens Onset of Type 1 Diabetes in High-Risk Youth
Dietary Patterns May Shield Adults with Type 1 Diabetes from Heart Disease
Sleep Duration Linked to Increased Risk of Diabetic Complications
