In blood sugar management, the focus has predominantly been on carbohydrates. Yet, recent research from the University of British Columbia suggests that proteins and fats might be equally significant for some individuals. Published today in Cell Metabolism, this pioneering study offers the first in-depth comparison of how different individuals’ insulin production responds to the three primary macronutrients: carbohydrates (glucose), proteins (amino acids), and fats (fatty acids). The findings indicate that insulin production is much more complex and personalized than previously believed, showcasing a particular sensitivity to fatty foods in a subset of the population.
Dr. James Johnson, the study’s senior author and a professor of cellular and physiological sciences at UBC, emphasized the unexpected variability in how individuals respond to proteins and fats. “Glucose is the well-known driver of insulin, but the strong response to proteins and fats was surprising,” he said. This unexpected variability not only challenges our current understanding but also engages us in a new and exciting area of research, opening up possibilities for further exploration and discovery.
The researchers conducted their experiments on pancreatic islets from 140 deceased donors of both genders and a broad age range, exposing these cells to each macronutrient and measuring the insulin response alongside 8,000 other proteins. While most islet cells responded robustly to carbohydrates, about nine per cent were more responsive to proteins, and eight per cent reacted more to fats than any other nutrient, even glucose.
Dr. Jelena Kolic, the study’s first author and a research associate in the Johnson lab, noted that this challenges the long-held belief that fats minimally impact insulin release in everyone. “With a better understanding of a person’s individual drivers of insulin production, we could potentially provide tailored dietary guidance that would help people better manage their blood sugar and insulin levels,” she said. This could lead to significant advancements in dietary recommendations and health management strategies.
The research also explored the insulin response in islet cells from donors with Type 2 diabetes. These cells typically showed a diminished response to glucose, yet their response to proteins remained largely intact, suggesting that protein-rich diets could have therapeutic benefits for such patients. This finding not only provides a new perspective on dietary management for Type 2 diabetes but also underlines the potential for positive change and improvement in patient care, motivating healthcare professionals and patients alike.
Looking to the future, the research team plans to expand their work into clinical studies that test insulin responsiveness to all three macronutrients in real-world settings. They hope to develop personalized nutrition approaches based on their findings, potentially using genetic testing to determine which macronutrients will likely trigger a person’s insulin response. This research marks a significant step towards more effective and individualized dietary management for those with diabetes and other related conditions.
More information: Jelena Kolic et al, Proteomic predictors of individualized nutrient-specific insulin secretion in health and disease, Cell Metabolism. DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2024.06.001
Journal information: Cell Metabolism Provided by The University of British Columbia
