AS INTEREST grows in non-pharmacological approaches to metabolic health, a recent meta-analysis has highlighted the potential of carnosine and β-alanine supplements to improve blood glucose control in people with Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and prediabetes.
Carnosine and β-alanine Show Promise in Managing Glucose
Carnosine and its precursor β-alanine have been investigated for their antioxidative and metabolic effects, but evidence in T2D and prediabetes has remained fragmented. With rising global diabetes prevalence, identifying effective adjunct therapies remains a clinical priority. This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesised data from eight randomised controlled trials (n=377) to determine the impact of these supplements on key metabolic markers in diabetic and prediabetic populations.
Carnosine and β-alanine Improve Blood Sugar and β-cell Function
The pooled results demonstrated that supplementation significantly reduced fasting blood glucose (SMD: -0.53) and HbA1c levels (SMD: -0.36), suggesting a clinically meaningful benefit in glycaemic control. Notably, HOMA-β values also improved, indicating enhanced pancreatic β-cell function. However, no statistically significant changes were observed in insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), BMI, or fasting insulin. A reduction in total cholesterol was reported, but LDL-c and HDL-c levels remained unaffected. These findings point to targeted metabolic benefits without broader impacts on weight or lipid profiles.
Carnosine and β-alanine Could Aid Diabetes Prevention
While still in the investigational phase, carnosine and β-alanine could represent novel, low-risk interventions to complement existing therapies for T2D and prediabetes. Their potential to improve glucose regulation and β-cell activity is particularly relevant for early-stage metabolic dysfunction. However, researchers caution that heterogeneity among trials and limited participant numbers warrant further large-scale studies. Future work should focus on establishing optimal dosing, treatment duration, and long-term safety.
In summary, while carnosine and β-alanine may offer promising adjunctive support in glycaemic management for patients with prediabetes and T2D, further trials are needed to guide clinical application.
Reference
Li N et al. Effect of carnosine or beta-alanine supplementation therapy for prediabetes or type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. BMC Endocr Disord. 2025;25(1):210.
