Turmeric compound may protect blood vessels from diabetes damage

Curcumin, the compound that gives turmeric its yellow hue, may safeguard blood vessels from damage caused by diabetes, according to recent research presented at the 2026 American Physiology Summit in Minneapolis. Curcumin, known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, showed promising results in protecting blood vessels from damage linked to diabetes in rat studies.

The study's first author, Swasti Rastogi, a PhD candidate at Florida Institute of Technology, explained that curcumin improves blood sugar levels, reduces inflammation, restores cellular responses, and preserves the structure and function of blood vessels in Type 1 diabetes, a condition affecting approximately 2 million people in the U.S. The research involved comparing diabetic rats treated with curcumin to diabetic rats that did not receive the compound, revealing that those given curcumin experienced improved vascular health after one month.

Curcumin's effects included reducing inflammation, restoring normal calcium activity in blood vessels, and rebalancing heat shock protein 70, a protein whose regulation is disrupted by diabetes. These findings suggest that curcumin might help prevent the structural and functional changes that weaken blood vessels and reduce their elasticity, potentially lowering cardiovascular risks associated with diabetes.

However, the researchers emphasized that these results are preliminary and do not suggest that people with Type 1 diabetes should consume more turmeric or take curcumin supplements. Further research and clinical trials are necessary to confirm the benefits in humans and determine the appropriate dose that provides benefits safely while minimizing the risk of harmful interactions with other medications. As always, individuals should consult their doctor before considering any supplements.