Glutamine and Antioxidant Potential in Diabetes

Glutamine (GLN) has many physiological functions in the body. Although it is a non-essential amino acid, GLN is considered conditionally essential for patients with catabolic conditions. Many studies have demonstrated the benefits of GLN administration on immune functions, and suggested that additional GLN supplementation is needed in stressed patients. Diabetes is a catabolic disease with high oxidative stress. Numerous studies found that GLN enhances the insulin response, reduces inflammatory mediator production, and decreases the expressions of genes associated with the main pathways that cause diabetic complications. GLN is the precursor of glutathione, and it enhances heat shock protein expression. Its supplementation increases antioxidant potential, which may play an important role in mitigating tissue injury induced by diabetes. Other factors, including attenuation of inflammatory reactions, decreases in cellular apoptosis, and enhancement of insulin secretion, may also contribute to the benefits of GLN in diabetes.