Diabetics use a greater amount of the amino acid arginine, also known as L-arginine, than most people. One of the primary relationships between arginine and diabetes concerns vascular health. Chemical reactions involving this amino acid regulate vascular relaxation. Inhibiting the development of atherosclerosis is another role the amino acid plays. As diabetic patients often experience vascular irregularities, some physicians believe that arginine helps to maintain healthy tissue.
Arginine must be present for the conversion of nitric oxide synthase into nitric oxide and citrulline. These substances act as vasodilators, which decrease vascular resistance and improve blood flow. Due to vascular insufficiency, diabetic patients frequently experience reduced circulation, particularly in the hands and feet. The action of arginine helps to correct this problem.
Another relationship between arginine and diabetes is the amino acid's ability to stimulate insulin release, in addition to initiating the release of growth hormone and other body chemicals. Some research suggests that the relationship between arginine and diabetes is more apparent in patients diagnosed with the type 1 condition. Some physicians recommend that patients with type 2 diabetes take a tetrahydrobiopterin, or BH4, supplement. They believe that this cofactor must be present and bind to arginine before nitric oxide synthase conversion occurs. Certain studies also indicate that diabetic patients with vascular insufficiency due to viral damage or increased homocysteine levels, also require folic acid and B vitamin supplementation.
Physicians recommend also recommend arginine for patients diagnosed with chest pain associated with angina, heart failure, and hypertension. Other uses of arginine include combination with ibuprofen for migraines, with fish oil for chronic infections, and with chemotherapy in breast cancer patients. Some patients experience improvement in erectile dysfunction while taking the amino acid, and pediatricians sometimes administer arginine to newborns with gastric inflammation.
Certain studies suggest that the risks of taking arginine include possible vasoconstriction and decreased blood flow in patients with coronary artery disease or in individuals who have recently experienced a heart attack. Other physicians disagree with these findings. The common side effects of arginine include abdominal discomfort, bloating and diarrhea. Some patients develop blood abnormalities. Allergic reactions may occur with individuals experiencing upper airway inflammation and obstruction. Patients taking antihypertensive or diuretic medications in combination with the amino acid may suffer arginine interactions, producing dangerously low blood pressure.
Dairy products, fish, poultry, and red meat all contain arginine. Patients may take oral supplements or physicians may administer the amino acid intravenously. The arginine dose for diabetic patients ranges from 5 to 9 grams, taken once a day. Dosages may increase in the presence of existing cardiac or vascular conditions.