Hormonal
Restoring mitochondrial function and physiological superoxide production via AMPK activation (through exercise, caloric restriction, or medications) improves diabetic organ dysfunction, contrary to the theory that excess superoxide drives complications.
For individuals with diabetes, focusing on lifestyle interventions that naturally stimulate mitochondrial health—specifically exercise and caloric restriction—may be more effective than antioxidant supplementation. These actions activate AMPK, restoring mitochondrial function and potentially improving kidney, heart, and nerve health. The goal is not to eliminate all oxidative stress, but to restore healthy mitochondrial signaling.
Restoration of mitochondrial function and superoxide production via activation of AMPK has now been associated with improvement in markers of renal, cardiovascular, and neuronal dysfunction with diabetes.
Why this rating
The paper is a perspective/review citing animal models and in vitro studies; it explicitly notes the lack of definitive Phase III clinical trials for specific mitochondrial-targeted interventions.
Source
Mitochondrial Hormesis and Diabetic Complications
Kumar Sharma · Diabetes · 2015
DOI 10.2337/db14-0874
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