NO EFFECT OF INSULIN-TREATMENT OR GLYCEMIC IMPROVEMENT ON PLASMA CARNITINE LEVELS IN TYPE-2 DIABETIC-PATIENTS

Carnitine is an essential factor for the transport of long-chain fatty acids and is important for the heart muscle. A longitudinal study in type 2 diabetic patients was carried out. Carnitine levels were observ ed before and during metabolic intervention with dietary measures and either sulfonylurea or insulin treatment. In both treatment groups a s ignificant glycemic improvement was observed after 3 months (insulin t reatment group: hemoglobin A1c 11.3 +/- 2.8 versus 7.0 +/- 1.0; sulfon ylurea treatment group; hemoglobin A1c 11.3 +/- 1.4 versus 7.3 +/- 0.9 ). Carnitine levels did not differ from a control group and did not ch ange significantly during the observed period.