Background Oxidative stress-induced reactive oxygen species are associated with the clinical manifestation of insulin resistance. Evidence suggests that antioxidant treatment may reduce this incidence. Aim of the study This study determined whether glucose oxidase (GO)-induced insulin resistance in cultured skeletal muscle cells could be ameliorated by pre-treatment with gamma-tocopherol (GT). Methods Insulin sensitivity in L6 myotubes was assessed by 2-deoxy-d-[3H]-glucose uptake. The phosphorylation of distal insulin signaling proteins Akt and the Akt substrate AS160 were determined by western blot. Results One hour treatment with 100 mU/ml GO decreased insulin-stimulated glucose uptake (P