Study explores curcumin as a protective agent for diabetic blood vessels

Researchers from the Florida Institute of Technology found that curcumin, a pigment found in turmeric, helps maintain the structure and function of the aorta in rats with type 1 diabetes. The findings were presented as a report at the 2026 American Physiological Society summit in Minneapolis and have not yet undergone peer review. How Type 1 Diabetes Affects Blood Vessels Type 1 diabetes increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, even when glucose levels are strictly managed with insulin. Chronic hyperglycemia can damage blood vessels, reducing their strength and elasticity. The study investigated whether the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin could slow these changes. What the Researchers Found In the experiment, one group of rats with induced type 1 diabetes received curcumin for one month, while another diabetic group did not. Their blood vessels were compared with those of healthy control animals.