Whey Protein and diabetes: understand the relationship between the two and maintain your health

Hello, today we want to talk to you about an important subject: the relationship between Whey Protein and diabetes. We bring you information from studies that are important for you to understand the beneficial effects of supplementation in diabetic people.

As we always like to remind you: this is not a medical indication. And in no way are we prescribing any kind of treatment here. Your doctor’s word is final.

What we are showing you are studies and conclusions so that you can bring this subject to your nutritionist, your doctor, so that you can find the best diet for your lifestyle.

Okay, let’s talk about diabetes and Whey Protein.

Whey Protein has benefits for diabetics: true or false?

Yes, there are currently several scientific studies demonstrating the benefits of using Whey protein, especially for diabetics.

The proteins that make up the supplement help maintain stable blood glucose levels, which is beneficial both for diabetics and for those who want to improve their body composition.

Still, the ideal is that the patient is accompanied by health professionals and that the supplement is prescribed by a nutritionist, who will also take into account the eating habits in its entirety.

Learn more: Muscle loss: How the right protein prevents this problem

Whey Protein in the control of type 2 diabetes?

Whey protein is a supplement rich in amino acids. When we ingest it, they are degraded in the muscle tissues, and then there is an increase in the plasma concentration of two key amino acids in our body: alanine and glutamine.

These amino acids are transported to the liver for glucose production, stabilizing blood glucose during fasting periods and reducing the insulin response after meals.

Thus, by elevating the concentrations of whey protein, the release of postprandial insulin is reduced and the liver’s action in controlling blood glucose is enhanced.

Whey Protein also helps to delay gastric emptying, reduce appetite and energy consumption.

Can Whey Protein Isolate be consumed by diabetics?

To keep blood glucose levels constant, whey protein isolate can be divided into 6 small meals, using 5g portions at each meal, in the form of a shake.

For example, it can be consumed shaken with a banana or other fruit of your choice. Of course, it’s always good to remember: it’s important to ask your nutritionist or doctor for advice to know the most appropriate amount within your diet.

Studies show the effectiveness of Whey Protein

Some isolated studies prove the effectiveness of the supplement in the treatment of diabetes.

Research from the University of Melbourne, Australia, conducted with elderly and physically active patients, showed a slight benefit in the participants’ glucose measurements.

Protein supplement or zinc supplement?

Zinc has been widely cited as an important mineral in blood glucose control in diabetics, especially after the publication of recent studies such as that reported in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

This research has shown that when insulin is lacking in diabetic patients, zinc may be able to supply some of the blood glucose control.

In any case, supplementation should only be done under the guidance of a health professional. For, even if zinc has a marked participation in glycemic control, it is necessary to understand that we are talking about ongoing studies and there are data that need further tests.

Does consuming whey protein eliminate the risk of diabetes?

As it is a great ally in post-workout, there is no doubt about it. However, we also know this other benefit: the whey-derived supplement also averts the risk of type 2 diabetes, especially when consumed in the morning or after physical activity, according to a recent study published in Diabetes Time magazine.

The combination of protein and exercise helped control blood sugar levels in obese people who ate a carbohydrate-filled breakfast after a 30-minute walk.

Being a rich source of amino acids, the whey supplement stimulates the secretion of insulin – responsible for throwing glucose into the cells.

Bottom line: Whey Protein can indeed be consumed by people with diabetes

Well, there is evidence that Whey helps in the prevention of diabetes and also numerous studies have pointed out the benefits for people who already have this condition.

Therefore, we can safely say that whey supplementation is easy to consume and can be taken by just about anyone.

We hope that today’s article has shed light on many of your doubts.

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Thank you for reading and see you next time.