Acetyl-L-Carnitine Protects Circulation in Diabetes

An animal study has documented the ability of acetyl-l-carnitine (ALC)¹ to protect the arteries and heart from the ravages of diabetes. 

The researchers used a drug to knock out the production of insulin by the pancreas, creating high blood sugar and diabetes.  As expected, control animals developed stiffening of their arteries and enlargement of their hearts, reflecting the damage caused by the high blood sugar.  Some of the diabetic animals were treated with ALC for eight weeks.  In contrast to the controls, the ALC treated animals did not develop any problems in their arteries or heart, which was consistent with a reduction in free radicals in their blood.

This study indicates the possibility of a highly protective effect in the circulatory system during the exposure to high blood sugar – as is the situation for any type 1 or type 2 diabetic who is struggling to manage their blood sugar issue.