Effects of Dietary Supplement Tauroursodeoxycholic Acid on Vascular Function

Targeting Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress to Correct Vascular Insulin Resistance and Glycemic Dysregulation

The purpose of the present study is to determine if use of dietary supplement tauroursodeoxycholic acid enhances insulin-stimulated leg blood flow and glucose disposal.

The notion that cellular stress lowers insulin-induced vasodilation is largely founded on ex vivo studies and experiments in rodents. However, it remains unknown if maintenance of cellular function with the use of dietary supplement tauroursodeoxycholic acid enhances vascular function in humans. The investigators test the hypothesis that daily administration of this dietary supplement enhances vascular function, particularly, insulin-stimulated leg blood flow and glucose disposal.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Type 2 diabetes diagnosed by primary physician
• Body mass index less then 43 kg/m2

Exclusion Criteria:

• Recent weight gain or loss (>5% body weight in the last 3 months)
• Pregnancy
• Consumption of >14 alcoholic beverages per week
• Changes in the medication use or dose within the last 3 months
• Known cardiovascular or pulmonary disease
• Taking medication for advanced retinopathy or neuropathy
• Taking prescription anticoagulants
• Nicotine use