In a message dated 7/24/02 12:51:33 AM, [log in to unmask] writes:

<< so the net effect of amino acids on blood sugar is neutral? does this apply

to each of the glyconeogenic AA's? [not that i can remember which ones they

are]. >>

The longer answer: The identical effect of of high blood amino acid levels on
both glucagon and insulin secretion makes sense if you consider the
concomitant effects these two hormones have on blood glucose levels. If
during absorption of a protein rich meal the rise in blood amino acids
stimulated only insulin secretion hypoglycemia might result. Because little
carbohydrate is available for absorption  following a high protein meal, the
amino acid induced increase in insulin secretion would drive too much glucose
into the cells, causing a sudden, inappropriate drop in the plasma glucose
level. However the simultaneous increase in glucagon secretion elicited by
elevated amino acid levels increases hepatic glucose production. Since the
hyperglycemic ellects of glucagon counteracct the hypoglycemic effects of
insulin, the net result is maintenance of normal glucose levels during
absorption of a high protein meal.  The hormonal effects of carbs and protein
are not just the same. Remember too that most of the time protein is
accompanied by fat which provokes no insulin response. I haven't run across
anything that suggests that insulin is more provoked by the glucogenic amino
acids, probably because we don't eat them in isolation from each other and
because the number of glucogenic aminos is so large -- alanine, serine,
glycine, cysteine, aspartic acid, asparagine, glutamic acid, glutamine,
arginine, histidine, valine, threonine, methionine, proline.

Namaste, Liz
<A HREF="http://www.csun.edu/~ecm59556/Healthycarb/index.html">
http://www.csun.edu/~ecm59556/Healthycarb/index.html</A>