Effects of High-Protein Diets- Type 2 Diabetes
Review: Effects of High-Protein Diets on Glycemic Control, Insulin Resistance, and Blood Pressure in Type 2 Diabetes https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31466731/ A systematic review and meta-analysis (PMID: 31466731) explored how high-protein diets (HPDs) affect glycemic control, insulin resistance, and blood pressure in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Here's a breakdown of the key findings: Methodology - The review included nine randomized controlled trials with 418 participants. - Protein intake in intervention groups ranged from 25–32% of total energy, compared to 15–20% in control groups. - Study durations varied from 4 to 24 weeks, with a median of 12 weeks. - Outcomes analyzed included fasting glucose, HbA1c (a marker of long-term blood glucose), and blood pressure. Key Results Glycemic Control: - High-protein diets significantly reduced HbA1c levels compared to standard-protein diets. This suggests improved long-term glycemic management. - Fasting blood glucose levels showed modest reductions, though the results varied between studies. Insulin Resistance: - Improvements in insulin sensitivity were observed, particularly with diets rich in animal-derived protein sources. This was likely influenced by the role of branched-chain amino acids (e.g., leucine) in enhancing glucose metabolism. Blood Pressure: - Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were slightly reduced on high-protein diets, though the effects were not as pronounced as those on glycemic parameters. Heterogeneity and Limitations - Significant variability in study designs and protein sources made direct comparisons challenging. - Most trials were short-term, leaving questions about sustainability and long-term safety unanswered. Strengths of High-Protein Diets - They offer a potential non-pharmacological strategy to improve glycemic control in type 2 diabetes. - May also promote satiety, aiding weight management, which is critical for diabetes care.