Assessment of serum L-carnitine level in children with type 1 diabetes

Abstract

Background Carnitine is essential for lipid and carbohydrate metabolism and proper glycemic control in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), with a potential impact on long-term complications. Aim The study aims to evaluate serum levels of free L- carnitine (LC) in children with T1DM compared with healthy age- and sex-matched children. Patients and methods This case-controlled study was conducted on 40 children, including 20 children with T1DM (group A) and 20 healthy age- and sex-matched children (group B). Serum samples were used to assay the biochemical parameters: fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in blood by high-performance liquid chromatography, serum triglycerides and cholesterol determined by commercial kits, and serum LC level was assessed by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results The mean FBG, triglycerides, and total cholesterol were significantly higher in children with long-standing T1DM than in the newly diagnosed patients and healthy controls. Mean serum LC was significantly lower in T1DM children than in healthy controls (P<0.01). LC had a significant negative correlation with serum cholesterol and triglycerides and a positive correlation with FBG and HbA1c in T1DM children. Conclusion Children with T1DM showed a deficiency of serum-free LC. This deficiency is time related and patients with long-standing T1DM are prone to carnitine alterations affecting glycemic and lipid profiles. Larger studies are required for conclusions on the precise mechanism of carnitine deficiency and the possible benefit of carnitine supplementation in diabetic patients.