Abstract
The homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) Index was found to be increased both in uncomplicated diabetes mellitus and in diabetic retinopathy indicating the degrees of insulin resistance. Malondialdehyde as a biomarker for oxidative stress has also been found in these groups with a decreased tolerance to glucose load. When these groups were further analyzed and compared according to their insulin status, it was observed that hyperinsulinemia in diabetic retinopathy enhanced the level of oxidative stress with a decrease in plasma ascorbic acid and an increase of plasma dehydroascorbic acid level, paralleling the levels of malondialdehyde in these patients. The role of natural antioxidants e.g. ascorbic acid, Vitamin E and mixed carotenoids in lessening insulin has been discussed. It seems that ascorbic acid is a better antioxidant in comparison to other antioxidants in normalization of insulin resistance and glucose utilization. A persistent long-standing insulin resistance has been suggested as one of the responsible factors for vascular complications in diabetic retinopathy. Dehydroascorbic acid seems to be a better sensitive biomarker for oxidative stress.
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