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 secretion and action in healthy first-degree relatives of Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was performed in 12 healthy, non-obese volunteers who were first-degree relatives of Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Six volunteers received a morning dose of glycine 5 g orally and the other six received placebo. At baseline without drugs and after pharmacological intervention, a metabolic profile and, to assess insulin secretion and action, a hyperglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp study were performed. There were no significant differences in baseline metabolic profile, insulin secretion or action between groups. Changes 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. There 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 insulin action in healthy first-degree relatives of Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.

Key words:

Amino Acid - Insulin Secretion - Insulin Sensitivity - Family History of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus - Glycine

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