Supplements and Glucose Uptake
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Authors
Elena Psetas
Katelyn Jacot
Salma Laraichi
Issue Date
2026
Type
Language
Keywords
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Abstract
Diabetes is a major global health concern that affects 12% of the U.S. population and millions worldwide. It is characterized by impaired glucose regulation, resulting in chronically elevated blood glucose levels that can lead to serious complications such as cardiovascular disease, kidney damage, and nerve dysfunction. Because of its high prevalence and long-term health consequences, understanding how the body regulates glucose is essential for developing better prevention and treatment strategies.
Skeletal muscle plays a critical role in glucose homeostasis. After a meal, approximately 80% of glucose uptake occurs in skeletal muscle. Therefore, impaired glucose uptake significantly contributes to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. While insulin and exercise are well established stimulators of glucose uptake, there is growing interest in whether dietary supplements may enhance glucose metabolism.
This study investigates glucose uptake in cultured skeletal muscle cells. The purpose is to determine whether the dietary supplements GlyNAC (glycine and N-acetylcysteine) and Urolithin A improve glucose uptake. These supplements are widely marketed for supporting metabolic and mitochondrial health, but there is limited laboratory evidence explaining their direct effects on skeletal muscle cells.