Citrulline Supplements During Pregnancy For Type 2 Diabetes

STUDY BASICS

Are you less than 16 weeks pregnant, between ages 18-40, have type 2 diabetes, and are receiving care at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC? If so, you may be able to participate in a research study to find out if the dietary supplement citrulline (found in watermelon and other foods) affects blood vessel health during pregnancy. Compensation provided.

STUDY PURPOSE

Amino acids – commonly known as the building blocks of proteins – can be naturally occurring in the body and can also be found in food. People with diabetes have higher levels of an amino acid called asymmetric dimethylarginine (or ADMA) in the blood. Higher concentrations of ADMA are linked with abnormal blood vessel function including elevated blood pressure. High blood pressure during pregnancy can lead to a dangerous condition called preeclampsia. Another amino acid called L-arginine is known to improve blood vessel function and blood pressure. Researchers think that the balance of L-arginine to ADMA may be very important in maintaining blood vessel and placental health in pregnant women with type 2 diabetes. Several studies have reported that increasing L-arginine either by supplement or by diet can benefit health. The purpose of this study is to find out if taking the dietary supplement L-citrulline (which converts to L-arginine in the body) has an effect on blood vessel function. Researchers also want to know if citrulline has an effect on a protein called PIGF, which is a marker of placental function.

COULD THIS STUDY BE RIGHT FOR YOU?

• Ages 18-40
• Less than 16 weeks pregnant with one baby
• Diagnosed with type 2 diabetes
• Receiving pregnancy care at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC

WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT

Study participation involves 4 in-person visits to Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC. Visit number 4 will take place while you are in the hospital at the time when your baby is about to be delivered. Study participation includes blood and urine collection, and blood pressure assessments. It is important to know that participants in this study will be randomly assigned (like the flip of a coin) to receive either L-citrulline or placebo for three weeks. The placebo looks and tastes just like L-citrulline but does not contain any L-citrulline.