Diabetes Mellitus: could the Inhibition of a Single Enzyme (CPT-1) Involved in the Beta-Oxidation Process Improve this Complex Disease?

Diabetes mellitus is among ten leading cause of death in high-income countries and it is increasing rapidly in countries undergoing industrialization. Diabetes alone claims on the average around 8% of total health budgets in developed countries [1]. Complications include diabetic retinopathy, renal failure, heart disease, diabetic neuropathy and foot ulceration and amputation. More than 90% of diabetic patients in the United States are Type 2 diabetics, or non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). In NIDDM a severe glycemic control should be made by a synergic work of physical activity, diabetic diet, and the use of hypoglycemic agents, and lastly insulin.