Objectives
This study systematically reviewed and analyzed epidemiological evidence regarding the association between dietary total antioxidant capacity (DTAC) and both the risk of developing diabetes and glycemic biomarker levels.
Methods
We searched the PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases through July 2024 without imposing any date restrictions. Original studies that examined the relationship between DTAC and either the risk of developing diabetes or glycemic biomarker levels—specifically fasting blood glucose (FBG), hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C), insulin, and the homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR)—were eligible for inclusion. After eliminating duplicates and irrelevant records, relevant studies were selected, and data were extracted through rigorous critical analysis.
Results
A total of 32 articles were included in the review. Of the 19 studies that evaluated diabetes risk, 15 reported a lower risk among subjects with higher DTAC values. All 4 studies examining prediabetes risk found lower risk in participants with high DTAC scores. Additionally, significant inverse relationships were observed between DTAC values and FBG (9/15 studies), HbA1C (1/6 studies), insulin (5/6 studies), and HOMA-IR (8/9 studies).
Conclusion
The majority of evidence indicates that high adherence to an antioxidant-rich diet may reduce diabetes risk and improve glycemic biomarkers, including FBG, insulin, and HOMA-IR.