Document Type
Article
Publication Date
11-23-2022
Abstract
Introduction
L-carnitine possibly impacts insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism. However, its therapeutic role in diabetes is poorly understood.
Methods
A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted using PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) from inception through June 30, 2021. Included studies evaluated the use of L-carnitine in diabetes on fasting blood glucose (FBG), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides (TG), weight, or body mass index (BMI). Weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using the DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model.
Results
Seventeen studies involving 1622 patients were included. Reductions in FBG (WMD = -0.46 mmol/L, 95% CI = -0.68 to -0.23 mmol/L), HbA1c (WMD = -0.5%, 95% CI = -0.8 to -0.1%), TC (WMD = -0.29 mmol/L, 95% CI = -0.42 to -0.16 mmol/L), and LDL-C (WMD = -0.23 mmol/L, 95% CI = -0.39 to -0.07 mmol/L) were significant. Effects on HDL-C, TG, weight, or BMI were insignificant. Doses between 1001 to 2000 mg showed greatest benefit (p < 0.02 for all).
Discussion/Conclusion
L-carnitine plays a potential role as adjunctive therapy in diabetes. Additional research is necessary for patients with higher baseline HbA1c and type 1 diabetes.
Recommended Citation
Ko J, Tran H, Tran R, Wong E, Cao D. The glycemic, cholesterol, and weight effects of L-carnitine in diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Diabet Epidemiol Manag. 2023;10:100122. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.deman.2022.100122
Copyright
Elsevier
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Included in
Amino Acids, Peptides, and Proteins Commons, Endocrine System Diseases Commons, Other Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Commons, Pharmaceutics and Drug Design Commons
Comments
This article was originally published in Diabetes Epidemiology and Management, volume 10, in 2023. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.deman.2022.100122