Chronic consumption of an inositol-enriched beverage ameliorates endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress in type 2 diabetes

•The effect of inositols on glycaemia, endothelial function and redox status was assessed.•This was a 12-week, randomized, double-blind controlled trial in DM subjects.•Inositols reduced glycated haemoglobin and postprandial and nocturnal glycaemia.•Inositols improved endothelial function and intracellular redox status. The anti-diabetic properties of an inositol-enriched beverage (IEB) on the endothelial function and redox status in diabetic subjects were assessed. This was a 12-week, double-blind randomized controlled trial employing thirty-eight diabetic subjects that were divided into two intervention groups: one receiving an IEB and the other a sucrose-enriched beverage. Subjects consuming IEB exhibited a significant decrease in triacylglycerol (8.82%) and HbA1c (4.53%) levels. Continuous glucose monitoring revealed a significant net reduction of 2.51 and 7.11% during postprandial and overnight fasting periods after consumption of IEB, respectively. Moreover, IEB improved endothelial function by reducing P-selectin levels and leucocyte–endothelium interactions, as there was an increase in rolling velocity and a reduction in polymorphonuclear leucocyte adhesion and induced a significant diminution in the generation of ROS. The present results show that IEB supplementation induces a significant improvement in glycaemic control in diabetic subjects by improving endothelial function and intracellular redox status.