A Grape Idea: How Aglianico Might Help Fight Diabetes-Related Blindness

When we think of grapes, it’s usually wine or S̶o̶u̶r̶ ̶P̶a̶t̶c̶h̶ ̶K̶i̶d̶s̶ that comes to mind—not a potential treatment for diabetes-related blindness. But a team of Italian researchers has discovered something remarkable about Aglianico (personal fave!), a famous grape from Campania: it might help protect the eyesight of people with diabetes.

Here’s the deal. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a common complication for people with type 2 diabetes. It damages the retina (the part of your eye that processes light) and can lead to blindness if untreated. It’s actually the leading cause of preventable blindness in adults worldwide.

Scientists at the University of Naples and other nearby schools partnered with a biotech center in Campania to see if Aglianico grapes could make a difference. They didn’t just turn the grapes into wine (we wish)—they focused on what’s left behind after winemaking: the grape skins and seeds, also known as pomace.

A Supplement Made from Grape Waste

The researchers created a supplement using Aglianico grape pomace, packed with polyphenols. What are polyphenols? Think of them as natural antioxidants found in plants, known to reduce oxidative stress (which, in simple terms, is like rust for your cells). Oxidative stress is a big factor in the swelling and damage that happens in diabetic retinopathy.

The team patented a process to turn the pomace into a powder called MaGPE (maltodextrinated grape pomace extract). They mixed the extract with maltodextrins (a kind of carbohydrate) to create an easy-to-use, fine powder.

What Did the Study Find?

The researchers ran a clinical trial with 99 people who had diabetic retinopathy. Half of the group took the MaGPE supplement, and the results were promising:

- Better eyesight: Participants taking the supplement had improved visual acuity.
- Less swelling: The MaGPE group showed reduced retinal thickness and less vascular swelling in the eyes.
- Healthier retinas: The supplement helped stabilize the retina and reduced oxidative stress.

The secret weapons in MaGPE are two polyphenols, resveratrol and quercetin, which are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Why It Matters

For diabetes patients and their doctors, this is an exciting step forward. The idea of using natural compounds from something as common as grape skins feels a lot more approachable than some lab-engineered treatments. Plus, it’s a sustainable win—turning what’s usually considered “grape waste” into something that could help improve lives.

So, next time you pour yourself a glass of wine, consider Aglianico. These grapes might just be doing more for the world than we ever envisioned.