RT Journal
A1 Winter SC, Simon M, Zorn EM, et al
T1 RElative carnitine insufficiency in children with type i diabetes mellitus
JF American Journal of Diseases of Children
JO American Journal of Diseases of Children
YR 1989
FD November 1
VO 143
IS 11
SP 1337
OP 1339
DO 10.1001/archpedi.1989.02150230095030
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/archpedi.1989.02150230095030
AB • Recognizing the similarity of type I diabetes mellitus to inborn errors of metabolism that have responded to carnitine therapy, we initiated a study of 54 children with type I diabetes mellitus. Examining a fasting blood sample for levels of carnitine, glucose, and glycosylated hemoglobin A1c, and a urine sample for levels of ketones and glucose, we found 13 children were deficient of free carnitine (<20 μmol/L) and 30 had elevated acyl carnitine levels (>11 μmol/L). Statistical tests confirmed a significant difference between the diabetic population and normal population for reduced free carnitine, elevated acyl carnitine, and an elevated ratio of acyl carnitine to free carnitine. Also, a significant correlation was found between the levels of urine glucose and ketones and the level of acyl carnitine. Our data indicate that carnitine deficiency and relative insufficiency may be an overlooked component in the management of diabetes.(AJDC. 1989;143:1337-1339)