Variability of plasma and urine betaine in diabetes mellitus and its relationship to methionine load test responses: an observational study

摘要

BackgroundSince betaine is an osmolyte and methyl donor, and abnormal betaine loss is common in diabetes mellitus (>20% patients), we investigated the relationship between betaine and the post-methionine load rise in homocysteine, in diabetes and control subjects. The post-methionine load test is reported to be both an independent vascular risk factor and a measure of betaine sufficiency.