Over-the-counter dietary supplement may lower risk of diabetes, metabolic syndrome

UCLA researchers have demonstrated that an over-the-counter dietary supplement may help inhibit insulin resistance and glucose intolerance, conditions that are involved in the development of Type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome, which affect millions worldwide.

In this early preclinical study, a naturally produced amino acid–like molecule called GABA was given orally to mice that were obese, insulin resistant and in the early stages of Type 2 diabetes. The researchers found that GABA suppressed the inflammatory immune responses involved in the development of Type 2 diabetes.

According to study authors, GABA helped prevent disease progression and improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, even after onset of Type 2 diabetes in mice. They also identified the regulatory immune cells that likely direct GABA’s activity in inhibiting inflammation.

The researchers note that in the future, GABA, taken as a supplement, or related medications may serve as new therapeutic agents for the treatment of obesity-related Type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

Jide Tian and Daniel Kaufman, both professors in the department of molecular and medical pharmacology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, are available for s.