The Essentiality of Amino Acids in Healthiness and Disease State: Type II Diabetes as a Case Study

A healthy life depends on the availability and the synthesis of amino acids as they are building blocks of proteins and regulators of principal physiological processes in organisms. Contemporary investigations have elucidated amino acids' roles in biological processes, emphasizing their contributions to preventing and treating metabolic disorders. Their structural architecture and nutritional importance elucidate their diverse biological roles, including muscle protein synthesis, immune support, neurological functions, and energy metabolism. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), a prevalent metabolic disorder marked by insulin resistance and hyperglycemia, exemplifies a pertinent case for examining the relevance of amino acids in pathological conditions. The alteration of the amino acid profile, particularly high levels of leucine, isoleucine, and valine, is connected with insulin resistance and oxidative stress, which contribute to the progression of T2DM. In contrast, the potential therapeutic benefit of branched chain amino acid (BCAA) has earlier been reported to influence insulin signaling pathways, promote glucose uptake, and decrease inflammatory responses. However, the dosage and combination of amino acid intake through dietary interventions and supplementation may offer promising benefits to improve the management of T2DM effectively. This review investigates the functions of amino acids in normal physiological states, their potential as a diagnostic biomarker, the probable risk of deficiency, and the therapeutic ability for managing and preventing T2DM. Conversely, there is a need to intensively investigate the controversial dual role of BCAA in T2DM, the mechanism of amino acid actions in insulin resistance, the effect of a combination of amino acids, and the dosage limit in diabetic conditions.