Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease characterized by insulin resistance, leading to hyperglycemia and a range of complications. Lifestyle interventions, including exercise, healthy eating, and weight loss, are the first-line treatments for type 2 diabetes. However, these interventions may not always be sufficient, and medication is often required to manage blood glucose levels. L-carnitine is an amino acid derivative that has been proposed as a potential treatment for insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
L-carnitine and insulin resistance
L-carnitine plays a crucial role in fatty acid metabolism, facilitating the transport of fatty acids into the mitochondria for energy production. Studies have shown that L-carnitine supplementation can improve insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake in skeletal muscle cells [1]. L-carnitine has also been shown to improve insulin resistance in animal models of type 2 diabetes [2].