After drinking whey, over the course of 2 hours, glucose levels were reduced by 28% and the insulin response was increased by 96%.
Of the 29 million Americans living with diabetes, most are always looking for effective strategies to control erratic and life-threatening blood glucose levels. Blood sugar spikes that occur after meals are the worst. They are linked to all sorts of complications, including kidney failure, damage of the retina, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's disease, and even cancer.
A research team from Tel Aviv University found whey protein shakes for or before breakfast may reduce blood sugar surges that occur after meals. They not only help suppress blood sugar surges but may also reduce the need for insulin treatment.
Whey protein does increase the production of a hormone known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (or GLP-1). This gut hormone stimulates the secretion of insulin, which can help reduce post-meal glucose levels.
The researchers tested their whey protein drink against one of the highest glycemic breakfasts imaginable - white bread with sugary jelly. This meal was designed to produce the maximum glucose spike possible. What did the researchers find?
After drinking whey, over the course of 2 hours, glucose levels were reduced by 28% and the insulin response was increased by 96%.
Whey versus Other Proteins
It has been long known that a high-protein breakfast is a successful way to reduce glucose spikes and control weight in type-2 diabetics. However, the quality and source of that protein is also important for the most successful response.
In fact, researchers at Tel Aviv University conducted a different study comparing whey protein to protein from soy, egg, and tuna.
After 12 weeks, those drinking whey protein shakes for breakfast lost the most weight than those on other proteins. They also reported feeling more satiated, less hungry, and experiencing less glucose spikes after meals. Remarcably, their HbA1C levels also decreased way more than the other protein diets.
This humble by-product of cheese manufacturing may play a great role in helping control diabetes. As a plus, whey protein is a rich source of amino acids, which can directly stimulate beta cells to secrete insulin.
Did you know?
Did you know that eating two servings of pistachios may help protect diabetics from the damaging effects of stress? Stress causes blood vessels to constrict, putting a greater load on the heart.
The pistachio diet can help lower the body's response to stress, keeping blood vessels more relaxed and open. Given that cardiovascular risk is increased in diabetic patients, this neat little health trick is worth sharing with anyone you may know to have type-2 diabetes.
Pistachios are a high source of beneficial fats and also have potassium, fiber, and an array of antioxidants for heart and overall health.
A serving of pistachios equals about 49 nuts. That's actually more nuts per serving than any other nut out there!
References
World J Diabetes. 2015 Oct 25; 6(14): 1274–1284.
ENDO 2016
J Am Heart Assoc. 2014; 3: e000873