Disclosed herein is glutathione in conjunction with an isoselenazol or isothiazol derivative, e.g., ebselen or ebsulfur derivative, to treat diabetes, lupus, or other chronic inflammatory disease. The glutathione is preferably provided in a rapid release oral formulation that presents the glutathione for absorption in the first part of the ileum. The isoselenazol or isothiazol derivative is preferably provided in a delayed release formulation to avoid overlapping high enteric concentration. These may be provided within the same unit dosage form.