Pinitol does not affect glucose levels, insulin resistance and the adipocytokine in prediabetic individuals - A preliminary study

Pinitol is thought to improve insulin resistance. We performed this study to evaluate the effects of pinitol on the glucose level, insulin resistance and the adipocytokine levels in prediabetic individuals. A total of 23 subjects with pre-diabetes were enrolled. The subjects were randomized to receive pinitol (n-12) or a placebo (n=10) for 12 weeks. The clinical and laboratory parameters were assessedfor all the participants. There was no significant difference in the mean change with regard to the levels of glucose, HbAlc, insulin and HOMA-IR between the pinitol and control groups at the end of 12 weeks treatment. The mean increment of the adiponectin level was significantly higher in the pinitol group than that in the control group. There was also no difference in the mean change in the level ofleptin and RBP-4 between the two groups. The twelve week treatment with pinitol was effective in increasing the adiponectin level but it had no effect on the glucose level, insulin resistance and the levels of other adipocytokines in the subjects with pre-diabetes.