Diabetes Remission Is Modulated by Branched Chain Amino Acids According to the Diet Consumed: From the CORDIOPREV Study

Scope Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAA) plasma levels may be differentially associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remission through the consumption of the Mediterranean diet (Med) and a low-fat (LF) diet. Methods One hundred eighty-three newly diagnosed T2DM patients within the CORDIOPREV study are randomized to consume the Med or a LF diet. BCAA plasma levels (isoleucine, leucine, and valine) are measured at fasting and after 120 min of an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at the baseline of the study and after 5 years of the dietary intervention. Results Isoleucine, leucine, and valine plasma levels after 120 min of an OGTT in the Med diet (N = 80) are associated by COX analysis with T2DM remission: HR per SD (95% CI): 0.53 (0.37-0.77), 0.75 (0.52-1.08), and 0.61 (0.45-0.82), respectively; no association is found in patients who consumed a LF diet (N = 103). BCAA plasma levels combined in a score show a HR of 3.33 (1.55-7.19) of T2DM remission for patients with a high score values in the Med diet, while in those with a LF diet, no association is found. Conclusion The study suggests that BCAA measurements potentially be used as a tool to select the most suitable diet to induce T2DM remission by nutritional strategies.

Automated summary

This study found that branched chain amino acid (BCAA) plasma levels are associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remission in patients consuming the Mediterranean diet, but not in those consuming a low-fat diet. Additionally, combining BCAA plasma levels into a score revealed that a high score is associated with a lower risk of T2DM remission in patients following the Mediterranean diet.