Whey Protein For Diabetes: Benefits, Effectiveness, and Safety

Overview

According to the World Health Organization, the number of people with diabetes has roughly doubled in the last four decades. However, progress is being made in terms of treatment and prevention, and a new study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that whey protein consumption might be part of the answer.

Medical Review Information:

Disclaimer: This website's content is provided only for educational reasons and is not meant to be a replacement for professional medical advice. Due to individual differences, the reader should contact their physician to decide whether the material is applicable to their case.


What Is Whey Protein?

One of the two primary proteins present in milk and dairy products is whey protein. Casein is the second primary protein found in dairy products; many people are allergic to casein, while fewer people appear to be allergic to whey protein. When rennin is introduced to dairy, the curds and whey separate, much like in the traditional nursery rhyme.

Whey protein is used for a variety of reasons, including maintaining daily protein requirements, increasing muscle growth, and fat removal. Whey isn't the only protein that helps you lose weight—other proteins do, too—but most proteins aren't as easily digested as whey.


Is Whey Protein Good For Diabetes?

Yes, whey protein can be beneficial for people with diabetes. Various scientific studies have shown the benefits of whey protein for diabetics. The supplements of whey protein aid people who wish to improve their body composition to maintain stable blood glucose levels. Nevertheless, the ideal situation is for the people with diabetes to be accompanied by medical personnel and for the supplement to be given by a nutritionist who will consider their overall eating habits.


Benefits Of Whey Protein For Diabetes

Enhanced Insulin Production and Sensitivity

Whey protein is high in branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) and is quickly digested compared to other proteins; therefore, amino acids enter the bloodstream quickly after consumption. Whey protein, in particular, is high in valine, BCAAs leucine, and isoleucine, all of which have been shown to promote insulin production.

Ingesting whey protein before a meal enhanced pancreatic-cell activity, resulting in restored insulin response, compared to when whey was not eaten before the meal in people with type 2 diabetes.

Maintained Insulin Response to Protein

While the pancreas' capacity to produce insulin in response to carbs is reduced in type 2 diabetes, it maintains its capability to secrete insulin in reaction to protein. Compared to other protein sources, whey protein has excellent digestion and amino acid profile, making it a highly functional protein.

Gut Peptide Stimulation

Whey protein can influence insulin secretion, decrease digestion, and reduce hunger by stimulating the release of different gut peptides, including GLP-1. The action of whey protein on stomach emptying is expected to have a key role in lowering postprandial glucose levels.

Antioxidant Support

L-cysteine, an amino acid, is abundant in whey protein. L-cysteine is necessary for the production of glutathione, one of the essential antioxidants in the body. One of the root factors of insulin resistance is oxidative stress, which is considered to be responsible for several diabetic consequences, including peripheral neuropathy, retinopathy, and kidney damage.

Blood Sugar and Triglyceride Control

Whey protein appears to boost insulin production and lower blood sugar levels after a meal when introduced to meals. After meals, people with diabetes can use whey protein to lower their triglyceride levels.


Whey Protein In The Control Of Type 2 Diabetes

Rapid Digestion and Amino Acid Delivery

To begin with, whey protein is high in branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) and is quickly digested compared to other proteins; therefore, amino acids enter the bloodstream quickly after consumption.

Enhanced Pancreatic Function

Whey protein, in particular, is high in valine, BCAAs leucine, and isoleucine, all of which have been shown to promote insulin production. Ingesting whey protein before a meal enhanced pancreatic-cell activity, resulting in restored insulin response, compared to when whey was not eaten before the meal in people with type 2 diabetes.

Preserved Insulin Secretion Capability

Furthermore, while the pancreas' capacity to produce insulin in response to carbs is reduced in type 2 diabetes, it maintains its capability to secrete insulin in reaction to protein. Compared to other protein sources, whey protein has excellent digestion and amino acid profile, making it a highly functional protein.

Postprandial Glucose Reduction

Lastly, whey protein can influence insulin secretion, decrease digestion, and reduce hunger by stimulating the release of different gut peptides, including GLP-1. The action of whey protein on stomach emptying is expected to have a key role in lowering postprandial glucose levels.


Can Whey Protein Isolate Be Consumed By A Person With Diabetes?

Yes, whey protein isolate, in the form of a smoothie, can be divided into six small meals, with 5g servings in each meal, to maintain blood glucose levels.


Can Whey Protein Cause Diabetes?

According to a survey, whey powder enhances insulin secretion in adults with normal body weight and lipid levels. Whey protein, on the other hand, appears to cause a rise in glucose levels in obese people.


Studies Show The Effectiveness Of Whey Protein

1. High-Quality Protein

During the manufacturing of cheese, whey is a liquid that separates from the milk. Whey protein is the protein component isolated from whey. It's a comprehensive, high-quality protein that includes all essential amino acids. Instead of other sources of protein, whey is extensively digestible and absorbs quickly.

2. Promotes Muscle Growth

With aging, muscle mass normally decreases. This is why many people rely on external sources to strengthen body muscles. Whey protein is one of the most common and highly-effective proteins available that promotes muscle growth and supports your muscle mass. Moreover, high-intensity training, when combined with a nutrition-rich diet or protein supplements, helps in elevating muscle growth.

3. Controls Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is characterized by high blood sugar levels and insulin failure. Insulin promotes the absorption of sugar levels into cells, allowing blood sugar levels to remain below acceptable limits. Whey protein has been demonstrated to aid blood sugar regulation by increasing insulin sensitivity to their effects.

4. Lowers Cholesterol

In a research published in The British Journal of Nutrition, 70 overweight men and women were given whey supplements for 12 weeks, and a variety of indicators, including lipid and insulin levels, were examined. There was a substantial drop in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol in the whey group compared to the casein (group) at week 12 they discovered.


Does Consuming Whey Protein Eliminate The Risk Of Diabetes?

L-cysteine, an amino acid, is abundant in whey protein. L-cysteine is necessary for the production of glutathione, one of the essential antioxidants in the body. One of the root factors of insulin resistance is oxidative stress, which is considered to be responsible for several diabetic consequences, including peripheral neuropathy, retinopathy, and kidney damage.

Whey protein appears to boost insulin production and lower blood sugar levels after a meal when introduced to meals. After meals, people with diabetes can use whey protein to lower their triglyceride levels.


Bottomline

Whey protein is extremely useful due to its high protein density. You can receive all of the advantages of protein without the extra fat layer. Whey protein has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity in people with diabetes.


Frequently Asked Questions

Can whey protein cause high blood sugar?

Large doses of whey protein powder or its combination with foods or drinks high in carbohydrates may raise some people's blood sugar levels, especially those who have diabetes or a history of high blood sugar. Whey protein powder in moderation and as part of a healthy diet, however, is not anticipated to have a substantial impact on blood sugar levels. It is advised to speak with a healthcare provider before making any significant dietary adjustments.

Is whey protein safe for diabetics?

Whey protein is typically regarded as safe for diabetics to ingest, but it's crucial to closely monitor blood sugar levels and speak with a healthcare provider before making any significant dietary adjustments.

Can people with diabetes have whey protein?

Yes, whey protein isolate, in the form of a smoothie, can be divided into six small meals, with 5g servings in each meal, to maintain blood glucose levels.

Can people with diabetes drink whey protein?

Yes. Some whey proteins can help in exercising diabetes and controlling blood sugar levels.


References


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