Natural supplement may improve peripheral arterial disease in patients with diabetes. Propionyl-L-carnitine: Propionyl-L-carnitine in treatment of peripheral arterial disease in diabetes: Diabetic patients may benefit from use of propionyl-L-carnitine (PLC, important for energy production in cells). A total of 20 type II diabetic patients with peripheral angiopathy (problem with blood vessels causing poor blood flow) were randomized to receive PLC or placebo. Results indicate that the PLC group had a much improved walking distance and symptoms. (42)
Individuals suffering from disorders of the blood vessels that limit blood flow may benefit from propionyl-L-carnitine (PLC, important for energy production in cells) supplementation and Vascupump therapy (pressure pump for increasing blood circulation). Participants (n=42) with arterial disease (blocked blood flow) were randomized to one of 3 treatments: IV PLC (1200 mg) for 5 sessions/week for 4 weeks (group 1) or PLC plus Vascupump 5 days/week for 4 weeks (group 2) or Vascupump only (group 3) then given a treadmill test. At the end of the study patients in the first group had an average walking distance increase of 102%-118%, group 2: 94%-193%, and group 3: 33%-67%. Participants also experienced a decrease in calf pain in addition to increased blood flow (measured using the Winsor index). (43)