Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
CHAPTER ONE
Role of Proteins in Insulin
Secretion and Glycemic Control
Clinical Nutrition Research Centre, Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Singapore, Singapore
1
Corresponding author: e-mail address: viren_ranawana@sics.a-star.edu.sg
Contents
1.
Introduction
2
2.
Blood Glucose Homeostasis and the Role of Insulin
3
3.
Classification of Proteins and Protein Quality
6
4.
Impact of Proteins and Amino Acids on Insulin Secretion
9
4.1
Effect of proteins on insulin secretion
9
4.2
Effect of amino acids on insulin secretion
12
4.3
Impact of proteins and amino acids
on glucagon secretion
21
5.
Impact of Proteins and Amino Acids on Glycemia
22
5.1
Effect of coingesting proteins and carbohydrates
on blood glucose and insulin
27
5.2
Effect of amino acids on glycemia
31
6.
Conclusions
36
Acknowledgment
38
References
38
Abstract
Dietary proteins are essential for the life of all animals and humans at all stages of the life
cycle. They serve many structural and biochemical functions and have significant effects
on health and wellbeing. Dietary protein consumption has shown an upward trend in
developed countries in the past two decades primarily due to greater supply and afford-
ability. Consumption is also on the rise in developing countries as affluence is increasing.
Research shows that proteins have a notable impact on glucose homeostasis mecha-
nisms, predominantly through their effects on insulin, incretins, gluconeogenesis, and
gastric emptying. Since higher protein consumption and impaired glucose tolerance
can be commonly seen in the same population demographics, a thorough understand-
ing of the former
'
s role in glucose homeostasis is crucial both toward the prevention
and management of the latter. This chapter reviews the current state of the art on pro-
teins, amino acids, and their effects on blood glucose and insulin secretion.
