Effect of Coenzyme Q10 on Oxidative Stress, Glycemic Control and Inflammation in Diabetic Neuropathy: A Double Blind Randomized Clinical Trial

Objective: This 12-week randomized placebo controlled clinical trial investigated the effect of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) on diabetic neuropathy, oxidative stress, blood glucose and lipid profile of patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods: Diabetic patients with neuropathic signs (n = 70) were randomly assigned to CoQ10 (200 mg/d) or placebo for 12 weeks. Blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis and neuropathy tests before and after the trial. Results: There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of mean fasting blood glucose, HbA1c and the lipid profile after the trial. The mean insulin sensitivity and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) concentration significantly increased in the Q10 group compared to the placebo after the trial (P <0.05). C-reactive protein (hsCRP) significantly decreased in the intervention group compared to placebo after the trial (P <0.05). In the control group, insulin sensitivity decreased and HOMA-IR increased, which revealed a significant difference between groups after the trial. Neuropathic symptoms and electromyography measurements did not differ between two groups after the trial. Conclusions: According to the present study, CoQ10, when given at a dose of 200 mg/d for 12 weeks to a group of neuropathic diabetic patients, did not improve the neuropathy signs compared to placebo, although it had some beneficial effects on TAC and hsCRP and probably a protective effect on insulin resistance.