The purpose of this study is to determine the role of CLA as a complementary therapy to improve body composition, glucose tolerance, fasting plasma glucose and insulin, and hemoglobinA1c (HbA1c) in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

The design is a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study conducted at a single site. The primary variable is a change from baseline to Week 16 in plasma glucose area under the curve during a three-hour oral glucose tolerance test. Secondary variables include changes in fasting levels of glucose and insulin, glucose tolerance, hemoglobinA1c, hepatic enzymes, adipocytokines, blood lipid profile, and body composition. Supporting endpoints include dietary intake, physical activity, fatty acids, and vital signs.

Inclusion Criteria:

• diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes mellitus
• obese
• postmenopausal
• HbA1c >6.49 and <14.1

Exclusion Criteria:

• use of tobacco
• substance abuse
• impaired cognitive function
• renal disease
• abnormal liver function
• gastrointestinal diseases
• use of exogenous insulin
• use of hormone replacement therapy currently or within past 6 months
• pacemaker/defibrillator