Researchers tested a special supplement designed to protect blood vessel linings in people with type 2 diabetes from South Asia living in Suriname. Over 12 weeks, some participants took daily capsules of this supplement, while others followed a fasting diet or took a placebo. By analyzing urine samples, scientists found that the supplement group showed improvements in markers that predict heart problems—but the fasting diet didn’t help. This study suggests that this particular supplement might be a promising way to reduce heart disease risk in people with diabetes, though more research is needed to confirm these findings.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a supplement that mimics the protective lining inside blood vessels could reduce heart disease risk in people with type 2 diabetes
  • Who participated: 44 adults with type 2 diabetes from South-Asian Surinamese communities, divided into three groups of roughly equal size
  • Key finding: People taking the glycocalyx-mimetic supplement showed a significant 58-point improvement in heart failure risk scores after 12 weeks, while the fasting diet and placebo groups saw no meaningful changes
  • What it means for you: This supplement may help protect your heart if you have type 2 diabetes, but this is early-stage research. Talk to your doctor before trying it, as larger studies are needed to confirm these results and determine if benefits last over time

The Research Details

This was a randomized controlled trial, which is considered one of the strongest types of medical research. Researchers randomly assigned 44 participants into three equal groups: one received daily capsules of a glycocalyx-mimetic supplement, another received placebo (fake) capsules, and the third followed a fasting-mimicking diet where they ate very little for five days, then repeated this every four weeks. All participants were followed for 12 weeks. Scientists collected urine samples at the beginning and end of the study and analyzed them using advanced technology called capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry—essentially a sophisticated machine that identifies thousands of tiny protein fragments in urine. These fragments serve as biological markers, or signs, of disease risk. The researchers used computer algorithms trained on previous studies to calculate risk scores for three serious conditions: heart failure, coronary artery disease, and chronic kidney disease.

This research approach is important because it uses objective biological markers rather than just asking people about symptoms. Urine peptidomics—the study of protein fragments in urine—can detect changes at the molecular level before people develop actual disease. This allows researchers to see if an intervention is working at the cellular level, not just whether people feel better. The use of pre-validated computer classifiers means the risk scores were developed and tested in previous studies, making them more reliable.

This study has several strengths: it was randomized (reducing bias), included a placebo control group (showing the supplement’s effect wasn’t just from expectation), and used objective biological measurements rather than subjective reports. However, the sample size is relatively small (44 people total, with only 18 in the supplement group), which means results may not apply to everyone. The study focused on one specific population (South-Asian Surinamese adults), so findings may differ in other groups. The 12-week timeframe is short for determining long-term benefits. All statistical tests were corrected for multiple comparisons, which is good scientific practice.

What the Results Show

The glycocalyx-mimetic supplement group showed a statistically significant reduction in heart failure risk scores, with an average improvement of 0.58 points (meaning lower risk). This improvement was highly significant, with researchers 95% confident the true effect falls between 0.33 and 0.83 points. The supplement also changed the levels of 17 different protein fragments in urine, primarily reducing collagen-derived fragments—pieces of a structural protein that makes up connective tissue. This suggests the supplement may be helping the body break down and rebuild the tissue surrounding blood vessels more healthily. In contrast, the fasting-mimicking diet group and placebo group showed no meaningful changes in any of the three risk scores measured. The lack of effect from the fasting diet was somewhat surprising, as some previous research suggested fasting might help metabolic health.

While the supplement improved heart failure risk markers, it did not significantly change the risk scores for coronary artery disease (blocked arteries in the heart) or chronic kidney disease. This suggests the supplement’s protective effect may be specific to heart failure risk rather than broadly protecting against all cardiovascular problems. The changes in specific protein fragments suggest the mechanism involves improved turnover of extracellular matrix—the structural scaffolding around cells—which could explain why heart failure risk improved. These secondary findings help scientists understand how the supplement might work at the molecular level.

This study builds on a previous placebo-controlled trial (registered as NCT03889236) that tested the same supplement. The current research extends those findings by using more sophisticated molecular analysis through urinary peptidomics. Previous studies on blood vessel lining health have suggested that maintaining the protective layer inside blood vessels is important for preventing heart disease, which aligns with this supplement’s proposed mechanism. However, the fasting-mimicking diet results differ from some other research showing metabolic benefits from fasting protocols, suggesting that fasting may not work equally well for all populations or health outcomes.

The main limitation is the small sample size, particularly the 18 people in the supplement group, which limits how confidently we can apply these findings to larger populations. The study only lasted 12 weeks, so we don’t know if benefits continue, increase, or fade over longer periods. The research focused on one specific ethnic group in one location, so results may not apply to people of other backgrounds or living in different regions. The study didn’t measure actual heart disease events—only biological markers that predict risk—so we can’t confirm the supplement actually prevents heart attacks or heart failure. Additionally, we don’t know the optimal dose, whether benefits vary by age or other health factors, or whether the supplement is safe for long-term use.

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, the glycocalyx-mimetic supplement shows promise for reducing heart failure risk in people with type 2 diabetes, but the evidence is still preliminary. Confidence level: MODERATE for this specific population, LOW for generalizing to other groups. If you have type 2 diabetes and are interested in this supplement, discuss it with your doctor first. Do not stop or replace any current diabetes or heart medications. The fasting-mimicking diet did not show benefits in this study, so it’s not recommended based on this evidence alone.

This research is most relevant to adults with type 2 diabetes, particularly those of South-Asian descent, who are concerned about heart disease risk. People with a family history of heart failure or those already diagnosed with early heart disease may find this especially interesting. However, people with kidney disease, those taking blood thinners, pregnant women, and people with certain medical conditions should consult their doctor before trying any new supplement. This research is less relevant to people without diabetes or those with type 1 diabetes, as the study only included type 2 diabetes patients.

If this supplement works similarly to how it functioned in this study, you might expect to see changes in biological markers within 12 weeks. However, actual improvements in heart health or reduction in heart disease events would likely take much longer—probably months to years—to become apparent. Don’t expect to feel dramatically different; the benefits appear to work at the molecular level before producing noticeable symptoms.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • If you start taking this supplement with your doctor’s approval, track: (1) daily supplement adherence (did you take it?), (2) any side effects or changes you notice, (3) your energy levels and how you feel, and (4) your regular diabetes markers like blood sugar readings if you monitor them at home
  • The practical change would be: commit to taking the supplement daily at the same time each day (perhaps with breakfast or dinner) for at least 12 weeks while maintaining your current diabetes management routine. Set a daily reminder in your app to take the supplement and log whether you took it
  • Over 12 weeks, monitor how consistently you take the supplement and any changes in how you feel. After 12 weeks, work with your doctor to check relevant blood work and discuss whether to continue. Long-term, track any changes in your diabetes control, energy levels, and cardiovascular symptoms. Consider repeating relevant health markers every 3-6 months to assess ongoing effects

This research is preliminary and based on a small study in a specific population. The findings have not been confirmed in larger studies or in other ethnic groups. This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Before starting any new supplement, especially if you have type 2 diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, or take medications, consult your healthcare provider. The supplement discussed in this study is not yet widely available and has not been approved by the FDA for any specific health claim. Do not stop or change any diabetes or heart medications based on this research. Individual results may vary, and what works for one person may not work for another.