A Meta-Analysis of the Impact of Resveratrol Supplementation on Markers of Renal Function and Blood Pressure in Type 2 Diabetic Patients on Hypoglycemic Therapy

Evidence on the beneficial effects of resveratrol supplementation on cardiovascular disease-related profiles in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) is conflicting, while its impact on renal function and blood pressure measurements remains to be established in these patients. The current meta-analysis included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting on the impact of resveratrol supplementation on markers of renal function and blood pressure in patients with T2D on hypoglycemic medication. Electronic databases such as MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and EMBASE were searched for eligible studies from inception up to June 2020. The random and fixed effects model was used in the meta-analysis. A total of five RCTs met the inclusion criteria and involved 388 participants with T2D. Notably, most of the participants were on metformin therapy, or metformin in combination with other hypoglycemic drugs such as insulin and glibenclamide. Pooled estimates showed that resveratrol supplementation in patients with T2D lowered the levels of fasting glucose (SMD: −0.06 [95% CI: −0.24, 0.12]; I(2) = 4%, p = 0.39) and insulin (SMD: −0.08 [95% CI: −0.50, 0.34], I(2) = 73%, p = 0.002) when compared to those on placebo. In addition, supplementation significantly lowered systolic blood pressure (SMD: −5.77 [95% CI: −8.61, −2.93], I(2) = 66%, p = 0.02) in these patients. Although resveratrol supplementation did not affect creatinine or urea levels, it reduced the total protein content (SMD: −0.19 [95% CI: −0.36, −0.02]; I(2) = 91%, p = 0.001). In all, resveratrol supplementation in hypoglycemic therapy improves glucose control and lowers blood pressure; however, additional evidence is necessary to confirm its effect on renal function in patients with T2D.