Diabetes, a chronic condition characterized by insulin resistance or a lack of insulin production, affects more than 25 million people in the United States, according to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse. Although exercise and a healthy diet help stabilize blood glucose levels, often the body requires medicinal treatment. Newer diabetes treatments involving phenylalanine, an essential amino acid acquired via the diet or laboratory-created dietary supplements, contribute to healthier blood glucose levels.
About Diabetes
The three main types of diabetes -- type 1, type 2 and gestational -- require medical intervention. Type 1 diabetics require insulin administration via an insulin pump or injections because the pancreas no longer produces the hormone. Type 2 diabetics are insulin resistant or do not respond to insulin, which causes elevated blood glucose levels. Gestational diabetes only occurs in pregnant women. The baby’s birth usually eradicates the condition because the body ceases the production of pregnancy hormones, which causes insulin insensitivity. Often, exercise and strict adherence to a healthy diet will adequately control blood glucose levels; however, oral medications may be administered to trigger the release of additional insulin molecules. If left untreated, diabetes can lead to serious health repercussions, including heart disease, high blood pressure, and kidney disease or failure.
About Phenylalanine
The amino acid phenylalanine is a building block in protein formation. Researchers have identified three forms of phenylalanine: L-phenylalanine, D-phenylalanine and DL-phenylalanine. L-phenylalanine naturally occurs while researchers synthetically produce D-phenylalanine in a laboratory. DL-phenylalanine contains a 50-50 combination of L- and D-phenylalanine. Protein-rich foods, such as fish, eggs and poultry, naturally contain phenylalanine. The artificial sweetener aspartame, known commercially as NutraSweet and Equal, contains phenylalanine and aspartic acid. Although researchers and medical professionals continue to debate the safety of aspartame, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the National Cancer Institute deemed it safe for human consumption.
Nateglinide
Endocrinologists prescribe nateglinide, a D-phenylalanine derivative and an oral diabetic medication, to control type 2 diabetes. Nateglinide, or the commercial brand Starlix, increases the pancreas’ production of insulin in an attempt to lower blood glucose levels. Depending on the severity of the disease, endocrinologists may prescribe nateglinide as part of a multimedicinal type 2 diabetes treatment plan or as the sole oral medication. As with any diabetic treatment plan, a diabetic-friendly diet, exercise and weight management should be combined with medication. Although nateglinide helps type 2 diabetics control their blood glucose levels, type 1 diabetics and those in a ketotic state, or have accumulated ketones in the bloodstream, should not take nateglinide.
Interactions and Side Effects
Common side effects of nateglinide include cough, runny nose or sore throat. Less common side effects include abdominal, back, muscle and joint pain; chills; and dizziness. Immediately seek medical attention if you experience seizures. When used in conjunction with other anti-diabetic medications, nateglinide may contribute to hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. Antidepressant, antipsychotic and neuroleptic medications can cause adverse reactions when taken with nateglinide or supplements containing phenylalanine. Thoroughly discuss your medical history and any medications, prescribed and over the counter, you are currently taking with your doctor before beginning a phenylalanine or nateglinide regimen.
References
- MedlinePlus; Gestational Diabetes; Susan Storck; September 2010
- MedlinePlus; Nateglinide Oral; September 2008
- "The Journal of Pharmacology"; Nateglinide, a D-Phenylalanine Derivative Lacking Either a Sulfonylurea or Benzamido Moiety, Specifically Inhibits Pancreatic β-Cell-Type KATP Channels; Motohiko Chachin et al.; November 2002
- National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse; National Diabetes Statistics, 2011; February 2011
- National Cancer Institute; Artificial Sweeteners and Cancer; August 2009
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Phenylalanine; Steven D. Ehrlich; June 2009
- Drugs.com: Nateglinide
