More than 25 million children and adults in the United States have diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. About 60 to 70 percent of those with diabetes also suffer from neuropathy, which is a nerve disorder that over time can cause muscle weakness. You cannot cure neuropathy, but improving blood sugar control can help prevent further damage. Whey protein may help increase the release of insulin and improve blood sugar after meals.
Muscle Weakness in Diabetes
Muscle weakness in diabetes is a progressive condition that usually starts with neuropathy, a group of nerve disorders characterized by nerve damage. The exact cause of diabetic neuropathy is unknown but may be due to a number of factors, such as high blood sugar, damage to blood vessels or inherited traits that increase your susceptibility. As your nerves become more and more damaged, they can no longer stimulate muscle fibers, leading to atrophy and weakness. Treatment for muscle weakness in diabetes includes improving blood sugar control to prevent further nerve damage and physical therapy to help improve muscle strength.
Whey Protein
Whey protein is one of the two proteins found in milk. Whey protein has the highest biological value of any type of protein, which means your body absorbs and utilizes it more efficiently than any other source of protein. Athletes and bodybuilders use whey protein to help build muscle tissue and improve strength. It is also used to help improve immune health and as an aid for weight loss.
Whey Protein and Diabetes
Adding whey protein to your diet may help improve your blood sugar control. Milk protein increases insulin production, which helps to decrease blood sugar, according to a 2009 research article published in "Nutrition Journal." The increase in insulin production is due to the protein's high biological value and amino acid profile. Whey protein is primarily comprised of branch-chained amino acids, including lysine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, and threonine. Improving blood sugar control decreases further nerve damage, which may help prevent further muscle weakness.
Considerations
Protein is an important component of the diet for diabetes. The American Diabetes Association recommends 15 to 20 percent of your calories come from protein. However, consuming more than 20 percent of your calories from protein may increase your risk of developing kidney disease. Consult your doctor or dietitian to help determine your daily protein needs and to discuss whether adding whey protein supplements to your diet can help improve your muscle weakness.
References
- American Diabetes Association: Diabetes Statistics
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders: Diabetic Neuropathy
- Diabetes: Muscle Weakness a Progressive Late Complication in Diabetic Distal Symmetric Polyneuropathy
- Diabetes Care: Nutrition Principles and Recommendations in Diabetes
- Nutrition Journal: A Whey Protein Supplement Decreases Post-Prandial Glycemia
- McKinley Health Center: Creatine and Whey Protein Supplements
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