L-arginine and Asymmetric Dimethylarginine (ADMA) and Lifestyle Protocols

The Effects of Different Acute Nutritional Protocols and Lifestyle Modification on Circulating L-arginine and Asymmetric Dimethylarginine (ADMA) in Obese and Type 2 Diabetic Subjects

Low serum L-arginine (Arg) and high asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) can predict microvascular complications in type 2 diabetes (T2DM). The investigators examined whether or not Arg and ADMA are affected by dietary factors or lifestyle modification in overweight/ obese and T2DM subjects.

The investigators tested the effects on serum Arg and ADMA of a) a single load of ingested dextrose, protein, fat or alcohol, each consumed within 10 minutes; b) a single episode of physical exercise; c) a 12 weeks lifestyle modification program comprised of a standard dietary and physical activity counseling in obese or T2DM subjects on circulating Arg and ADMA (n=43)

Inclusion Criteria:

• obese and/ or T2DM subjects

Exclusion Criteria:

• type 1 diabetes
• insulin-treated T2DM
• active coronary disease (recent [≤ 6months] myocardial infarction, unstable angina, recent coronary catheterization, or coronary bypass grafting
• individuals with significant impairment in liver enzymes (≥ 2.5 the upper limit of the normal range)
• serum creatinine higher than 1.5mg%
• known malabsorption, alcoholism or illicit use of drugs
• abnormal thyroid function tests
• concomitant or recent use of glucocorticoids
• uncertain mental state (to avoid invalid informed consent or lack of compliance).