L-lysine supplementation improved glycemic control, decreased protein glycation, and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetic patients

Background Lysine treatment decreased diabetic complications associated with type 2 diabetes in the rat models of diabetes and in vitro. Aims/hypothesis Herein, in a single-evaluator-blinded, randomized clinical trial, we investigated the effect of L-Lysine (Lys) intervention in type 2 diabetic patients. Methods Two groups of type 2 diabetic patients (15 females and 10 males in each group) who were under treatment with glibenclamide and metformin underwent a short term (3 months), trial. The test group was orally administered with 3 g/day of Lys. Clinical and biochemical parameters of all patients were measured prior to and after the experimental period and were statistically analyzed. Results Among the serum parameters, FBS, insulin, HOMA-IR, HSP 70, LCAT, PON1, AOPP, and FRAP improved significantly in the test group. A significant decrease in HbA1c and urine glucose accompanying with positive correlations between HbA1c and FBS, fructosamine and both FBS and HbA1c, HOMA with both insulin and FBS, and FBS with urine glucose indicates that Lys prevents diabetes complications. There were no significant changes in the liver and kidney function tests indicating no toxicity of Lys for patients. Conclusions/interpretation In conclusion, Lys inhibited protein glycation, improved glycemic control, and increased antioxidant markers in type 2 diabetic patients; thus, it could be suggested for combinatorial therapy of diabetes with oral hypoglycemic agents to protect against vascular risk factors and other diabetic complications.

Automated summary

Lysine treatment shows promising results in improving glycemic control and increasing antioxidant markers in type 2 diabetic patients, suggesting it as a potential option for combinational therapy to protect against vascular risk factors and other diabetic complications.