Effect of the Anti-oxidant N-acetylcysteine on Beta-cell Function in Type 2 Diabetes
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2015-12-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Insulin is secreted by cells in the pancreas called beta-cells. Beta-cell dysfunction is a
critical feature of type 2 diabetes (T2DM). High glucose levels can exacerbate beta-cell
dysfunction with oxidative stress proposed as a major mediator of this "glucotoxic" effect.
High glucose levels have also been shown to contribute to vascular dysfunction and
inflammation and these adverse responses decreased with the use of antioxidants. The
hypothesis is that antioxidants improve beta-cell function in individuals with elevated
glucose levels by decreasing oxidative stress. In this study the investigators will
specifically test whether the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) can improve beta-cell
function in individuals with type 2 diabetes by decreasing oxidative stress.
This study will be a dose finding study to determine the tolerability of 600 mg versus 1200
mg twice a day of NAC and the effects on beta-cell function, glucose tolerance and oxidative
stress markers in persons with type 2 diabetes.