A research team fromNewcastle University, UK showed, in recent research, that drinking a small amount of whey protein before meals helps people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes to check the levels of glucose in the blood.
The results of the study have been published in the scientific journal BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care.
During the research, volunteers diagnosed with type 2 diabetes drank a pre-meal shot that contained a low dose of whey protein. They were then monitored for a week while they went about their normal daily life. To compare the potential benefits of whey protein, the same participants also spent another week drinking a control shot that did not contain protein to measure each other’s results.
The results of continuous glucose monitoring revealed that glucose levels were most effectively controlled when the volunteer was given the whey protein supplement before meals. On average, research participants were shown to have an average of two more hours per day of normal blood glucose levels than in the week without protein. Additionally, their daily blood sugar levels were found to be 0.6 mmol / L lower than when they drank the supplement without any whey protein.
Doctor Daniel Westsenior lecturer and principal researcher working within the Newcastle University Human Nutrition Research Center and Diabetes Research Groupin the UK, stated: “Although previous studies lasting several hours in the laboratory have shown the potential of this dietary intervention, this is the first time that people have been monitored as they go about their normal lives. We believe whey protein works in two ways, first, by slowing the rate at which food passes through the digestive system and second, by stimulating a number of important hormones that prevent blood sugars from rising. so high “.
“As we see an increasing number of people around the world developing diabetes, studying the potential of drug alternatives such as dietary supplements becomes more important.“Continued Dr. Daniel West.
During the research, 18 people with type 2 diabetes consumed a small drink, in a 100ml shot glass, with 15 grams of whey protein 10 minutes before breakfast, lunch and dinner for seven days and continued. to take prescribed medications for type 2 diabetes. Continuous blood glucose monitoring automatically assessed blood glucose levels throughout the week.
The researcher at Newcastle University, Kieran Smithwho oversaw glucose monitoring and analyzed the data, said: “People were able to stick to the regimen and appreciated the idea of having a handy, tasty little pre-packaged drink that could be taken with them and taken before meals. “
The University of Newcastle research team decided to further investigate the benefits of non-medical interventions that run the study on a larger scale and for a longer period, up to six months.. They also plan to look into alternative proteins, such as those that come from plant sources such as peas, mushrooms, and potatoes to open up options for vegan and religious dietary needs.
It is important to specify that whey proteins are rich in branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) and are digested quickly compared to other proteins, which means that the amino acids appear in the bloodstream shortly after being consumed.. In particular, whey proteins are rich in BCAAs leucine, valine and isoleucine, which are known to stimulate insulin secretion.
Indeed, in individuals with type 2 diabetes, consuming whey protein before a meal improved pancreatic β-cell function resulting in restoration of the insulin response compared to when whey was not consumed before. meal.
In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas’s ability to release insulin in response to carbohydrates is impaired, while its ability to secrete insulin in response to proteins is maintained.. The easy digestibility and amino acid profile of whey proteins make them a functional and very favorable protein compared to other protein sources.
It is vital to add that whey proteins are also capable of stimulating the release of various intestinal peptides, particularly GLP-1, affecting insulin secretion, slowing digestion and reducing appetite.. The effect of whey proteins on gastric emptying is thought to play an important role in the reduction of postprandial glucose concentrations.
#Whey #protein #helps #control #DT2