Kidney function was assessed from laboratory tests that evaluate the amount of a substance called creatinine excreted in the urine. As in other studies, there was a slight trend of increasing cholesterol with vitamin E treatment, but no other side effects were noted. On the other hand, diabetes patients who had good blood sugar control continued to have retinal blood flow and kidney function in the normal ranges with the vitamin E treatment. Thus, it appears vitamin E was effective in reversing abnormal retinal and kidney function, but did not adversely affect function in patients with normal function. Until our findings can be confirmed in further and larger clinical trials, our study results should not be interpreted as a recommendation for widespread use of vitamin E for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy.
Vitamin E is a low-cost, readily available substance.
However, it will be very difficult to consume from food the high amount of vitamin E used in this trial. Joslin Diabetes Center, established in 1898, is an internationally recognized diabetes treatment, research and education institution affiliated with Harvard Medical School. Headquartered in Boston's Longwood Medical Area, Joslin also has affiliated treatment facilities in prestigious hospitals nationwide. The Joslin Clinic is affiliated with CareGroup, a major healthcare system in Eastern Massachusetts that includes Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and five other major hospitals in the Boston area. All rights reserved.