Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in your body and is used in large quantities by your digestive and immune systems. Though your body is capable of producing its own glutamine, in times of stress or illness this amino acid is easily depleted and you must obtain it through your diet. Opinions vary among researchers and health professionals with regard to glutamine's usefulness for preventing or treating diabetes. Consult your doctor for guidance and supervision on the safe and appropriate use of glutamine.
Neuropathy
Glutamine might help prevent diabetic neuropathy, a form of nerve damage caused by oxidative stress associated with excessively high blood sugar levels, according to a study published in the June 2011 issue of the journal "Digestive Diseases and Sciences." L-glutamine is a precursor to the antioxidant glutathione and an important amino acid in the immune and digestive systems. In the laboratory animal study, glutamine supplementation for 120 days prevented diabetes-associated cell death in intestinal nerves. Glutamine also improved growth and function of nerve support cells known as glial cells. Further studies to confirm these preliminary results in humans is warranted.
Blood Sugar
An Australian study published in the July 2011 issue of the "Journal of Nutrition" found that glutamine reduces blood sugar spikes after meals in patients with type 2 diabetes. Glutamine stimulates secretion of a compound that helps regulate your body's insulin levels. In the study, participants took glutamine and then ate a low-fat meal. Results showed glutamine improved insulin levels shortly following the meal and after 180 minutes. Researchers concluded that glutamine may be useful for controlling insulin and glucose levels after meals.
Immune Effect
Glutamine may contribute to the development of type 1 diabetes and other autoimmune conditions, by virtue of its ability to promote white blood cell activity, according to Philip C. Calder, editor of the book "Nutrition and Immune Function." Immune cells use high levels of glutamine, and a drug that blocks glutamine has been shown to stop progression of diabetes in laboratory animals.
Expert Opinions
Experts are divided on the merits and hazards of glutamine supplementation. The little research that has been done on this topic has produced conflicting results, with some researchers concluding that glutamine helps preserve muscle mass, which can be depleted by low insulin levels, according to the Columbia University Health Services website. Others find no benefits of glutamine on muscle growth, function or recovery time after exercise. Also, because your body can convert glutamine into glucose, excess amounts of glutamine, as from supplementation, can lead to elevated blood sugar levels. If you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, consult your doctor before using glutamine, and only use this supplement with your doctor's guidance and supervision.
References
- "Digestive Diseases and Sciences"; L-Glutamine Supplementation Prevents Myenteric Neuron Loss and Has Gliatrophic Effects in the Ileum of Diabetic Rats; R. Pereira, et al.; June 2011
- "Journal of Nutrition"; Glutamine Reduces Postprandial Glycemia and Augments the Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Response in Type 2 Diabetes Patients; D. Samocha-Bonet; July 2011
- "Nutrition and Immune Function"; Philip C. Calder; 2002
- Columbia University Health Services; "Glutamine"; May, 2005
- "Cleanse Your Body, Clear Your Mind: Eliminate Environmental Toxins to Lose ..."; Jeffrey Morrison; 2011
