Diabetes

Not just glucose, but also amino acids (protein) directly trigger the release of insulin. In pancreatic islets from both healthy young children and adults, insulin secretion is stimulated by arginine and the combination of leucine and glutamine, concentration-dependent and in an biphasic pattern, similarly to glucose-induced insulin secretion.[1] Insulin resistance is related to valine, glutamate, tyrosine, glutamine and glycine levels. β-cell functioning is related to leucine, tryptophan, valine, glutamate, glutamine, glycine and serine levels.[2] In a 12-year follow-up study, plasma levels of isoleucine, leucine, valine, tyrosine, and phenylalanine were reported to predict the development of diabetes in nondiabetic subjects.[3]

A diet that is low in AGEs (see Maillard Reaction) may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by increasing insulin sensitivity.[4]