Whey Protein — A Candidate for Treating Diabetes

Whey protein, which is one among the main proteins obtained in milk and dairy products, has been used for several years as a sports supplement to reinforce muscle growth and increase fat loss. Now the humble whey protein, a by-product of cheese making, is gaining recognition as a crucial nutrition powder for diabetic patients.

Whey protein has been demonstrated to diminish postprandial glycemia through various interrelated mechanisms including enhancement of insulin and incretin hormone secretion, slowing of gastric emptying, and reductions in appetite and energy consumption. These properties suggest the potential for whey within the management of type 2 diabetes. In a recent study conducted by the Newcastle University in England, it had been observed during a randomized clinical test of 15 individuals with well-controlled type 2 diabetes, that blood glucose levels were about 28% lower when fed whey protein alongside their meal.

How does it work?

Within the study, researchers compared the consequences of eating a high glycemic index meal with or without whey supplementation on blood glucose levels after the meal. For 2 days, 15 people with diet-treated type 2 diabetes ate a high-GI breakfast of light bread followed by a high-GI lunch of mashed potatoes and meatballs. A whey supplement of 27.6 grams of whey powder mixed in water was added to both meals on at some point. On another day, they ate an equivalent meal with lean ham and lactose dissolved in water in situ of the whey supplement. Researchers took blood samples before and after the meals and found that insulin production was higher after the whey-supplemented meals. For example, insulin production was 31% higher after the high-GI breakfast and 57% higher after the high-GI lunch when whey was included compared with when it had been not. The study also showed that rise in blood glucose levels after lunch was reduced by 21% with whey supplementation. Albeit the study only had 15 individuals examined, the planning of the study made the results significant. Consistent with the US National Dairy Council, whey protein assists with curbing hunger, recovering quickly from exercise, and losing fat while maintaining lean body mass. All of those properties are potentially useful for Type 2 diabetes patients. And, from a diabetes management perspective, there could also be even more specific advantages.

Whey protein has shown to be highly effective against type 2 diabetes. Such properties include:

· Whey Protein Is Rich in the Amino Acid- L-Cysteine L-cysteine is an aminoalkanoic acid which is considered as a really important antioxidant within the body. The buildup of free radicals in our body is one among the leading explanation for insulin resistance which is liable for a number of the complications that comes with diabetes, including retinopathy, peripheral neuropathy, and kidney damage. This aminoalkanoic acid found in whey protein helps neutralize the free radicals, and thus help with diabetes.

· Decreases Triglyceride within the Body- When protein also has the power to cause a decreased level of triglyceride in people living with diabetes when taken after meals.

· Promotes Insulin Secretion When added to meals, whey protein could cause a rise in insulin production and thus decreases the blood glucose after a meal which is called pre-prandial blood sugar.

· An Anti-Inflammatory agent: Activity maintaining and controlling blood glucose levels and maintaining a healthy weight are often tougher with inflammation which is virtually present in every individual living with diabetes. The anti-inflammatory property of whey protein has made it not only helpful in reducing blood glucose, but also in losing liver fat.

· Whey Protein also Promotes Satiety: Overweight and obesity are linked severally with diabetes. Because the whey protein causes you to feel fuller for an extended time, it’s perfect to include it into meals to market weight loss.

How Much Whey Protein does one Need?

Whey protein is very concentrated, and you don’t need to consume tons to attain a tremendous result. It contains up to fifteen to 30 grams of protein per serving and you’ll get it from a slice of cheese or a cup of milk. Therefore, you simply need around 15 to 30 grams of whey protein to market weight loss, control your appetite, boost metabolism, and increase insulin sensitivity.