Diabetes mellitus is a medical condition of raised blood glucose levels.
Blood glucose ups and downs occur despite proper diet, exercises, and therapy. A new study has shown that adding whey proteins just before your meals can help in better sugar control.
Role of whey proteins in diabetes mellitus
Diabetes mellitus implies high blood sugar levels. Patients feel increased thirst, increased urination urge, giddiness, tiredness, headache with raised sugar in their body.
Diet, exercise, and drug regime helps in control. But the medicines have their own adverse effects and limitations. There is still no cure for this malady. Trying some natural method to control the sugar is the best option out.
Whey proteins in DM (Source: Diabetes UK)There is a new study from Newcastle University in BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care.
It is an article about a new research that revealed that drinking small measure of whey proteins before meals could assist in lowering the high surge in blood sugar following a major meal in these patients.
Dr Daniel West, Senior Lecturer and Principal Investigator at the Human Nutrition Research Centre and Diabetes Research Group at Newcastle University, UK said:
“While previous studies for a few hours in the lab have shown the potential for this dietary intervention, this is the first time that people have been monitored as they go about normal life.“
The study details
Eighteen recruits in this study were diabetic patients. They drank a pre-prepared 100 ml solution of whey proteins before their three meals of the day: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
It had 15 g of whey protein in it. Their blood sugar was checked over a week. They continued with their daily routine during the study period. The same group of participants had a solution of placebo for a week before meals.
The research team monitored blood sugar similarly as the study recruits went on with their normal life. They compared blood sugar levels in both these cases.
Whey protein solution in DM (Source: Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials)The researchers found that glycemic control was better with whey proteins than with control solution. Their blood sugar was lower during the time they consumed whey protein solution.
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Conclusion and expert opinion
Dr. Daniel said:
“We believe the whey protein works in two ways, firstly, by slowing down how quickly food passes through the digestive system and secondly, by stimulating a number of important hormones that prevent the blood sugars climbing so high.”
“As we see growing numbers of people around the world developing diabetes, investigating the potential of alternatives to drugs such as food supplements becomes more important.”
Whey proteins are good for diabetes (Source: Nutrition Insight)Co-researcher Kieran Smith explained:
“People were able to stick to the regime and liked the idea of having a convenient, tasty, small pre-made drink that could be carried with them and taken before meals.”
These scientists wish to study the role of non-medical intervention in diabetes mellitus. They would do it over a longer period of six months. Additionally, they are looking at plant options of these proteins for vegan population.