The incorporation of whey protein in the diet is an important ally in the fight against diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes. Here are some studies that support it. The compound improves the body's response to fight disease and helps control blood sugar levels, according to scientific studies.

High-quality protein is an ingredient that improves the response of the human body in general. It has been discovered that just as immune function increases, there are specific conditions for which also, in formulations and in adequate dosages and formulations, it is a great ally for proper dietary management in treatments to combat them. That is the case with diabetes.

Among the multiple uses of whey protein in the fight against various diseases is post-surgical recovery, respiratory diseases, cancer and diabetes. For this reason, the functional food and supplement industries include it as an active ingredient in their preparations.

According to figures from the Pan American Health Organization, in the American continent, around 62 million people live with diabetes. Most are in low- and middle-income countries. The disease causes 1.5 million deaths worldwide.

"In the last three decades, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes has increased dramatically in countries of all income levels," says the agency, which is leading a crusade to stop the rise in diabetes and obesity.

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease that causes high blood sugar levels and, if left untreated, can damage other organs such as the heart, eyes, nerves, or kidneys. The deterioration increases with the passage of time.

The most common form of diabetes is type 2, and it usually develops in older adults and in people who are obese or overweight . Unlike type 1 diabetes, it can be treated with lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet and regular exercise, and in some cases medication or insulin may be needed.

Given the increase in cases of this condition globally, it is necessary for the food and beverage industry to create options that combat it with specialized nutrition. Whey protein isolates and concentrates that have a minimum percentage of 70 and a maximum of 95% are the most used.

Due to their composition, they are easily added to powders, they also have high and rapid absorption, each 25-gram portion provides between 22 and 23 grams of protein. Agropur manufactures protein isolates such as: ISO Chill 9000 and 9010.

The study "Benefits of Whey Proteins on Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Parameters and Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases" (2023), conducted by Jean-Francois Lesgards , a researcher at the University of Aix-Marseille, points out that 15 grams of whey protein consumed before any meal reduces hyperglycemia by 8% over two hours. Not only that, but also, it helps people maintain their energy.

Research is still focused on its long-term results, but concludes that whey protein is a valuable tool in managing hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, blood lipid profile, and insulin resistance. All this not only prevents, but is an ally in the fight against diabetes.

This information is reinforced by another previous study that presented similar results and concludes that whey protein helps diabetics to control their blood sugar level. By drinking a whey protein shot before meals, blood sugar levels balance and remain stable.

"Two hours is a clinically significant amount of time, if it can be sustained beyond the seven days measured in the trial, this may have the potential to reduce the risk of diabetes complications," said Dr. Diana Isaacs, of the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, to Medical News Today.

Isaacs refers to the study, "Thrice daily consumption of a novel, premeal shot containing a low dose of whey protein increases time in euglycemia during 7 days of free-living in individuals with type 2 diabetes." meals, of a low dose of whey protein that increases euglycemic time during 7 days of free life in people with type 2 diabetes; 2022).

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