A groundbreaking study published in Cell MetabolismTrusted Source has shed new light on how different macronutrients—carbohydrates, proteins, and fats—might affect insulin secretion.
The study examined insulin responses in pancreatic islets from deceased human donors with and without type 2 diabetes, as well as stem cell-derived pancreatic islets.
Pancreatic islets are small clusters of pancreatic cells, including beta cells, crucial in regulating blood sugar levels by producing hormones like insulin and glucagon in response to nutrient intake.
It has long been understood that carbohydrates significantly contribute to blood sugar levels, prompting insulin release, while proteins have a moderate effect, and fats have minimal immediate impact.
However, this study suggests that insulin secretion in response to nutrients may actually be more complex and individualized than previously believed.
For the first time, researchers identified subsets of human pancreatic islets exhibiting larger insulin responses to proteins or fats than carbohydrates.
Although lab studies on pancreatic islets might not directly translate to living humans, the findings could greatly influence future personalized nutrition strategies for better blood sugar management, ultimately improving overall health outcomes.
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