Glucose-lowering effect of whey protein depends upon clinical characteristics of patients with type 2 diabetes

• Published in: BMJ open diabetes research & care 2017, Vol.5 (1), p.e000420-e000420
• Main Authors: Almario, Rogelio U, Buchan, Wendy M, Rocke, David M, Karakas, Sidika E
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Body mass index; Diabetes; Glucose; Glucose monitoring; Insulin resistance; Metabolism
• ISSN: 2052-4897; 2052-4897
• DOI: 10.1136/bmjdrc-2017-000420

ObjectiveWhey protein (WP) intake has been shown to reduce postprandial glycemia. Majority of WP research in type 2 diabetes (T2DM) involved acute challenge or weight loss studies. It is not known if WP supplementation can provide sustained glucose lowering. Our goal was to investigate the effects of WP on glycemia comprehensively by using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) while avoiding the confounding effects of variable food intake through controlled feeding.Research design and methodsThis double-blinded and placebo (PL)-controlled study included 22 patients with T2DM patients (11 male, 11 female; age 57.1±12.6 years) on diet or metformin monotherapy. First, one serving (21 g) of WP was compared with PL in parallel-armed acute challenge studies. Next, in a crossover design, each patient underwent CGM twice, over 2 consecutive weeks, 3.5 days each week. Identical diets were provided by the study during both CGM periods. During the first CGM, one serving of either WP or PL was consumed before breakfast and another before dinner. During the second CGM, participants switched to the alternate supplement. Order of the supplements was randomized.ResultsDuring acute challenge studies, WP stimulated insulin and glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 secretion; suppressed ghrelin (all p