Slow versus fast proteins in the stimulation of beta-cell response and the activation of the entero-insular axis in type 2 diabetes.

Background: We tested whether ingestion of whey protein can induce greater post-prandial amino acid (AA) levels in the plasma and a higher beta-cell response than casein ingestion in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.

Methods: The study was designed as a double-blind, randomized, and controlled cross-over clinical trial. Twelve post-absorptive type 2 diabetic subjects who were withdrawn from their usual hypoglycemic therapy were studied.

Effects of insulin on methionine and homocysteine kinetics in type 2 diabetes with nephropathy.

Although hyperhomocysteinemia, an independent cardiovascular risk factor, is common in type 2 diabetes with nephropathy, the mechanism(s) of this alteration is not known. In healthy humans, hyperinsulinemia increases methionine transmethylation, homocysteine transsulfuration, and clearance. No such data exist in type 2 diabetes either in the fasting state or in response to hyperinsulinemia.

Insulin in methionine and homocysteine kinetics in healthy humans: plasma vs. intracellular models.

Methionine is a sulfur-containing amino acid that is reversibly converted into homocysteine. Homocysteine is an independent cardiovascular risk factor frequently associated with the insulin resistance syndrome. The effects of insulin on methionine and homocysteine kinetics in vivo are not known.