Consuming a small amount of whey protein supplement before meals can help control blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes, according to a study conducted by researchers at the University of Newcastle.
Participants 18 with diabetes who consumed the drink containing a low dose of whey protein had an additional two hours per day of normal blood sugar levels blood compared to the week they did not consume the protein supplement.
“In addition, their daily blood glucose levels were 0.6 mmol/L lower compared to when they consumed the protein supplement. without any protein”.
The protein drink was 100 ml, with 15 grams of protein. It was consumed 10 minutes before breakfast, lunch and dinner for seven days and continued with prescribed diabetes medication. Participants were monitored while going about their normal daily lives.
How Whey Protein Supplement Helps Control Blood Sugar
“We believe that whey protein works in two ways: firstly, it slows down the speed with which food passes through the digestive system and, secondly, it stimulates a series of important hormones that prevent blood sugar levels get that high,” said Dr. Daniel West, a professor and researcher at the Newcastle University Human Nutrition Research Center and Diabetes Research Group.
According to West, the findings are the first to show that the addition of a protein drink can help participants manage their diabetes in a free-living setting, outside of a laboratory.
The researchers consider it necessary to carry out studies on a larger scale and for a longer period go of time, up to six months. They also plan to look at alternative proteins, such as those from plant sources.
Providing a ready-to-drink alternative can make the strategy easier to stick with. “People were able to stick to the regimen and they liked the idea of having a small, tasty, convenient pre-made drink that they could carry around and drink before meals,” said Kieran Smith, who supervised glucose monitoring and analyzed the data.
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