Objectives: This study aimed to explore the quantitative efficacy of L-carnitine supplementation on glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients using model-based meta-analysis (MBMA).
Methods: Literatures were retrieved from the public database and data from these trials were extracted. The quantitative efficacy of L-carnitine on fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients were evaluated by maximal effect (Emax) models with nonlinear mixed effects modeling (NONMEM).
Results: In the model of FPG, Emax and treatment duration to reach half of the maximal effects (ET50) were -9.8% and 36.1 weeks, respectively. In the model of HbA1c, Emax and ET50 were -19.6% and 106 weeks, respectively. In addition, the durations for achieving 25%, 50%, 75%, 80%, and 90% Emax of L-carnitine on FPG were 13, 36.1, 118, 160, and 390 weeks, respectively. The durations for achieving 25%, 50%, 75%, 80%, and 90% Emax of L-carnitine on HbA1c were 38, 106, 334, 449, and 1058 weeks, respectively.
Conclusions: It was the first time to provide valuable quantitative information for efficacy of L-carnitine supplementation on glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.
Keywords: L-carnitine supplementation; Quantitative efficacy; fasting plasma glucose; glycated hemoglobin; glycemic control; type 2 diabetes mellitus.