Please note: This trial has finished recruiting and is not accepting new participants.

Research Center: Monash University
Location: Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, 43-51 Kanooka Grove, Clayton, VIC
Lead Doctor: Associate Professor Dr Barbora de Courten
Ethics Committee: This study has been reviewed and approved by Monash Health Human Research Ethics Committee and Monash University

Researcher Interview: 

As seen in the Herald Sun: Wonder Drug Quest, Cheap supplement could treat range of diseases

Background

Carnosine is a safe over-the-counter food supplement. Preliminary studies in humans show that carnosine reduces risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.  Carnosine has also been found to improve cognitive function.

The main aim of this study is to determine whether Carnosine can improve blood sugar levels, reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels and improve cognitive function.

This study seeks men and women who are prediabetic or have type 2 diabetes (which is controlled by diet or metformin only) and are on no other prescription medications and supplements for any other condition. Participants are required to attend up to 6 study visits at the research site over a 4 month period and will receive a medical certificate as well as a $100 visa gift card for participating in this study after completion of the study.

Benefits of Participation

• You may experience an improvement in your blood sugar, cholesterol levels and blood pressure as well as cognition.
• You will receive various health tests at no cost
  • Diabetes and Cardiovascular risk assessment
  • Body fat and muscle assessment (around $200 value)
  • Fibroscan to assess condition of your liver (around $100 value)
  • Blood tests and cognitive tests (around $100 value)
• You will receive a medical certificate and a $100 visa card or gift card of your choice.
• You will be helping to advance medical research.

Your Rights

• If you decide to participate in the study and later feel that you no longer wish to be part of it, you may withdraw at any time.
• Your records relating to this study and any other information received will be kept strictly confidential, except as required by the law.
• Qualified health professionals will monitor your health as it relates to the study.

Who Can Participate?

• Men and women aged 18 – 70  who are prediabetic or have type 2 diabetes
  • Those with type 2 diabetes should manage it through diet and/or metformin only
• Have a stable weight and not planning on losing weight in the next 4 months
• Not taking any regular prescription and other non-prescription medications (other than Metformin and birth control pill) including:
  • Blood pressure medication
  • Cholesterol medication
  • Heart disease medication
  • Anxiety or depression medication
  • And other psychiatric medications
• Willing to stop taking any food supplements for the duration of the study.
• Do not have dyslexia
• Able to attend up to 6 study visits at the research site over approximately 4 months