Effect of glycine on insulin secretion and action in healthy first-degree relatives of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients

The aim of this study was to identify the effect of glycine on insulin secr etion and action in healthy first-degree relatives of Type 2 diabetes melli tus patients. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was performed in 12 healthy, non-obese volunteers who were first-degree re latives of Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Six volunteers received a mor ning dose of glycine 5 g orally and the other six received placebo, At base line without drugs and after pharmacological intervention, a metabolic prof ile and, to assess insulin secretion and action, a hyperglycemic-hyperinsul inemic clamp study were performed. There were no significant differences in baseline metabolic profile, insulin secretion or action between groups. Ch anges from baseline of early (p < 0.05), late (p < 0.05), and total insulin (p < 0.02) responses were higher in the glycine group than in controls. Th ere were no significant differences in the changes from baseline of insulin action between groups. In conclusion, a morning dose of glycine 5 g orally increased early, late and total insulin responses without changes in insul in action in healthy first-degree relatives of Type 2 diabetes mellitus pat ients.