L-Carnitine May Improve Insulin Sensitivity and Glucose Uptake by Enhancing Mitochondrial Function and Reducing Oxidative Stress

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Introduction

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].

Description

Clinical studies on L-carnation and type 2 diabetes

Several clinical studies have investigated the potential of L-carnitine in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. A randomized controlled trial involving 60 patients with type 2 diabetes found that L-carnitine supplementation improved insulin sensitivity and reduced oxidative stress markers [3]. Another study involving 60 patients with type 2 diabetes found that L-carnitine supplementation reduced fasting blood glucose levels and improved lipid profiles [4]. A meta-analysis of 9 randomized controlled trials found that L-carnitine supplementation significantly improved glycemic control and lipid profiles in patients with type 2 diabetes [5].

Mechanisms of action

The mechanisms of action of L-carnitine in the treatment of type 2 diabetes are not fully understood. However, it is believed that L-carnitine may improve insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake by enhancing mitochondrial function and reducing oxidative stress. L-carnitine may also improve lipid metabolism and reduce inflammation, which are both implicated in the development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

Conclusion

L-carnitine has shown promise as a potential treatment for insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Clinical studies have demonstrated its efficacy in improving glycemic control and lipid profiles in patients with type 2 diabetes. The mechanisms of action of L-carnitine in the treatment of type 2 diabetes are not fully understood, but it is believed to improve mitochondrial function, reduce oxidative stress, and improve lipid metabolism. Further research is needed to fully elucidate the potential of L-carnitine in the treatment of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

References

1. Mingrone, Geltrude, Aldo V Greco, Esmeralda Capristo, and Giuseppe Benedetti, et al. "L-carnitine improves glucose disposal in type 2 diabetic patients." J Am Coll Nutr 18 (1999): 77-82.

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2. Kolahi, Sousan, Aida Malek Mahdavi, Reza Mahdavi, and Sima Lak, et al. "Effect of l-carnitine supplementation on clinical symptoms in women with osteoarthritis of the knee: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial." Eur J Integr Med 7 (2015): 540-546.

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3. Malaguarnera, Mariano, Lisa Cammalleri, Maria Pia Gargante, and Marco Vacante, et al. "L-Carnitine treatment reduces severity of physical and mental fatigue and increases cognitive functions in centenarians: a randomized and controlled clinical trial." Am J Clin Nutr 86 (2007): 1738-1744.

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4. Ruggenenti, Piero, Dario Cattaneo, Giacomina Loriga, and Franca Ledda, et al. "Ameliorating hypertension and insulin resistance in subjects at increased cardiovascular risk: effects of acetyl-L-carnitine therapy." Hypertension 54 (2009): 567-574.

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5. Wu G, Zhou W, Pan X. "L-carnitine supplementation improves lipid metabolism and glycemic control in type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis". Am J Clin Nutr 99 (2014): 325-334.

Author Info

Received: 17-Mar-2023, Manuscript No. JDCM-23-92116; Editor assigned: 20-Mar-2023, Pre QC No. JDCM-23-92116 (PQ); Reviewed: 04-Apr-2023, QC No. JDCM-23-92116; Revised: 07-Jun-2023, Rev Manuscript No. JDCM-23-92116 (R); Published: 16-Jun-2023, DOI: 10.37421/2475-3211.2023.8.209

Citation: Akla, Maher M. "L-Carnation May Improve Insulin Sensitivity and Glucose Uptake by Enhancing Mitochondrial Function and Reducing Oxidative Stress." J Diabetic Complications Med 8 (2023): 209.

Copyright: © 2023 Akla MM. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the creative commons attribution license which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.