Resveratrol Rescue?

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) has awarded $600,000 to the Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University to study the effects of resveratrol on prediabetes.

Prediabetes (or impaired glucose tolerance, IGT) increases risk of cardio-metabolic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes and also ups the risk of heart attack and stroke by some 50 percent. The condition prefigures diabetes in some cases. The condition increases as individuals age, affecting 40 percent of adults over 60.

Study results will hopefully yield information needed to plan and conduct more definitive studies of resveratrol in the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes.

In previous cell and animal research, resveratrol has been shown to prolong lifespan, prevent cancer and heart disease and help stabilize blood-glucose levels. Highly controlled, peer-reviewed clinical studies have yet to be conducted in humans regarding the compound's efficacy, however.

Resveratrol is commonly found in red wine, grapes and blueberries, among other plants. The compound is also available in supplemental form. Side effects of resveratrol supplements may include stomach cramping, loss of appetite and jittery feelings. Less common side effects include joint pain and tendinitis.