Effect of L-arginine on the microcirculation in the neuropathic diabetic foot in Type 2 diabetes mellitus: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study

Objective To investigate the effect of L-arginine on endothelial function, transcutaneous oxygen and clinical neuropathy in patients with peripheral neuropathy as a result of diabetes. Research design and methods Thirty diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy were randomized to receive l-arginine (3 g three times daily) or placebo (3 g three times daily) for 3 months. All patients had foot microcirculation and foot transcutaneous oxygen pressure (TcPO2), neuropathy disability score (NDS) and vibration perception threshold (VPT) assessed at baseline and follow-up. Results No difference was observed in endothelium-dependent and -independent vasodilation, TcPO2, NDS andVPT. Conclusions L-arginine has no effect on endothelial dysfunction, TcPO2 and clinical neuropathy.