Isoleucine Intake and Intermediary Metabolism in Type 2 Diabetes

The primary objective of this study is to determine the mechanism of reduced branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) oxidation to propionyl CoA and isoleucine intake can affect TCA cycle function in obese insulin resistant T2D. We will test the hypotheses that isoleucine and valine oxidation to propionyl CoA is reduced and that week long oral administration of isoleucine in T2D subjects will increase propionyl CoA and succinyl CoA production in muscle. The secondary objectives of this study are to determine the extent to which type 2 diabetics are capable of controlling and coordinating complex patterns of force using the upper and lower limb. This line of research has functional significance as upper body coordination and fine motor control is important for many activities associated with daily living and may contribute to therapy protocols for individuals with type 2 diabetes. Functional performance via six-minute walk and balance board measurement will also be tested with and without sensory augmentation via electrical stimulation of foot. Changes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) mitochondrial respiration values will also be assessed between subject types and for diabetic after the 10-day supplementation period.