Approximately 20 million adults living in the United States have diabetes, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website states. They add that diabetes rates rose 300 percent between the years 1980 to 2009. Risk factors for type 2 diabetes -- which constitutes most diabetes cases -- include obesity, sedentary lifestyle and genetics. Consuming protein powder may help diabetics manage their blood sugar more effectively.
Background
Type 2 diabetes begins with insulin resistance, a condition where your body's cells cannot use insulin as effectively. Over time, your body's insulin producing cells or beta cells, stop working as effectively, according to the January 2005 issue of "Science." Although protein powder is often associated with hulking bodybuilders, a certain form of protein powder derived from cow's milk or whey protein has a number of important health benefits, according to the National Dairy Council.
Evidence
A research team from the University of Adelaide investigated the effects of drinking a whey protein shake before a carbohydrate-rich meal in a group of eight type 2 diabetics. In research published in the June 2009 issue of "Diabetes Care," the scientists discovered that whey protein helped limit the effect of the carbohydrate-rich meal on blood sugar levels.
How It Works
Whey protein stimulates the activity of pancreatic beta cells, according to a paper published in the February 2010 edition of the "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition." Whey protein is especially rich in branch chain amino acids, the compounds that promote insulin release. Extra insulin production can help type 2 diabetics manage their blood sugar. The paper authors add that whey protein also delays the time it takes for food in your stomach to become released, further reducing a meal's impact on blood sugar levels.
Considerations
In addition to whey, other forms of protein power include soy, hemp and egg protein. However, only whey protein has been shown to be effective in blood glucose control. Protein powder can be mixed with healthy low-sugar drinks, such as low-fat milk and water, or added to dishes, such as whole grain pancakes and healthy desserts. As with all dietary supplements, talk to your doctor before consuming whey protein to ensure that it's appropriate for you.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Number (in Millions) of Civilian, Non-Institutionalized Adults with Diagnosed Diabetes, United States, 1980-2009; March 30, 2011
- "Science"; Type 2 Diabetes – A Matter of Beta-Cell Life and Death?; C.J. Rhodes; January 2005
- National Dairy Council: Whey Protein
- "Diabetes Care"; Effects of a Protein Preload on Gastric Emptying, Glycemia and Gut Hormones After a Carbohydrate Meal in Diet-Controlled Type 2 Diabetes; Jing Ma, et al.; June 2009
- "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Effect of premeal consumption of whey protein and its hydrolysate on food intake and postmeal glycemia and insulin responses in young adults; T Ahvvan et al.; February 2010
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