The Whey Protein Ingestion Study
Whey Protein Ingestion Stimulates Glucagon Secretion and Raises Blood Glucose Levels in Adults With Type 1 Diabetes
In this carefully controlled study, a single dose of whey protein isolate (WPI) caused a strong rise in the hormone glucagon and a meaningful increase in blood glucose in adults with type 1 diabetes. These effects were dose dependent and may be useful as a strategy to reduce the risk of hypoglycaemia in some situations.
People with type 1 diabetes lack insulin made by the pancreas and so respond differently to food. Protein can raise blood glucose in people with type 1 diabetes, but exactly how much and by what mechanisms has been unclear. We wanted to test whether fast‑absorbing whey protein triggers glucagon (a hormone that raises blood glucose) and to measure the resulting changes in glucose production and blood sugar.
Twelve adults with type 1 diabetes and six adults without diabetes completed three test visits. At each visit participants drank either water (control), a low dose of whey protein (0.25 g/kg body weight) or a high dose of whey protein (0.5 g/kg). People with type 1 diabetes received a fixed intravenous insulin infusion so the effects of the protein could be measured without changes in injected insulin. Blood samples were taken frequently for three hours after the drink to measure hormones, amino acids and glucose production.
Whey protein ingestion caused a rapid, strong rise in plasma glucagon in people with type 1 diabetes: roughly a fivefold rise with the low dose and a ninefold rise with the high dose. The liver increased its glucose output by around 50% after whey protein ingestion, and blood glucose rose accordingly. Median peak glucose increases were about 1.3 mmol/L for the low dose and 3.1 mmol/L for the high dose. By contrast, glucose fell over time in the water (control) condition.
People without diabetes had similar hormone and amino‑acid responses to whey protein ingestion, but their insulin response rose as well, so their blood glucose stayed stable. In people with type 1 diabetes the lack of endogenous insulin meant the glucagon effect on the liver was unopposed and glucose rose.
The glucose‑raising effect was sustained longer with the higher dose; however, the peak glucose change did not increase proportionally beyond the lower dose, suggesting a ceiling effect on how quickly the liver can be stimulated.
Because the glucagon response to protein is preserved in many people with type 1 diabetes, whey protein ingestion may provide a way to raise or stabilise blood glucose gradually and for a longer period than fast‑acting carbohydrate. This profile could make whey protein ingestion a useful preventative strategy to reduce the chance of hypoglycaemia in situations such as before exercise or at bedtime. It is less suitable as an immediate “rescue” treatment for severe hypoglycaemia because the glucose rise is slower than with sugary drinks or glucose tablets. This study concluded that whey protein ingestion may be worth exploring as a planned, preventive measure (for example, 30 minutes before exercise or at night) to reduce hypoglycaemia risk, but further research and individual clinical advice are needed before routine use. It should not replace established emergency hypoglycaemia treatments.
To read the publication, click here
The Whey Protein Ingestion Study
Whey Protein Ingestion Stimulates Glucagon Secretion and Raises Blood Glucose Levels in Adults With Type 1 Diabetes
In this carefully controlled study, a single dose of whey protein isolate (WPI) caused a strong rise in the hormone glucagon and a meaningful increase in blood glucose in adults with type 1 diabetes. These effects were dose dependent and may be useful as a strategy to reduce the risk of hypoglycaemia in some situations.
People with type 1 diabetes lack insulin made by the pancreas and so respond differently to food. Protein can raise blood glucose in people with type 1 diabetes, but exactly how much and by what mechanisms has been unclear. We wanted to test whether fast‑absorbing whey protein triggers glucagon (a hormone that raises blood glucose) and to measure the resulting changes in glucose production and blood sugar.
Twelve adults with type 1 diabetes and six adults without diabetes completed three test visits. At each visit participants drank either water (control), a low dose of whey protein (0.25 g/kg body weight) or a high dose of whey protein (0.5 g/kg). People with type 1 diabetes received a fixed intravenous insulin infusion so the effects of the protein could be measured without changes in injected insulin. Blood samples were taken frequently for three hours after the drink to measure hormones, amino acids and glucose production.
Whey protein ingestion caused a rapid, strong rise in plasma glucagon in people with type 1 diabetes: roughly a fivefold rise with the low dose and a ninefold rise with the high dose. The liver increased its glucose output by around 50% after whey protein ingestion, and blood glucose rose accordingly. Median peak glucose increases were about 1.3 mmol/L for the low dose and 3.1 mmol/L for the high dose. By contrast, glucose fell over time in the water (control) condition.
People without diabetes had similar hormone and amino‑acid responses to whey protein ingestion, but their insulin response rose as well, so their blood glucose stayed stable. In people with type 1 diabetes the lack of endogenous insulin meant the glucagon effect on the liver was unopposed and glucose rose.
The glucose‑raising effect was sustained longer with the higher dose; however, the peak glucose change did not increase proportionally beyond the lower dose, suggesting a ceiling effect on how quickly the liver can be stimulated.
Because the glucagon response to protein is preserved in many people with type 1 diabetes, whey protein ingestion may provide a way to raise or stabilise blood glucose gradually and for a longer period than fast‑acting carbohydrate. This profile could make whey protein ingestion a useful preventative strategy to reduce the chance of hypoglycaemia in situations such as before exercise or at bedtime. It is less suitable as an immediate “rescue” treatment for severe hypoglycaemia because the glucose rise is slower than with sugary drinks or glucose tablets. This study concluded that whey protein ingestion may be worth exploring as a planned, preventive measure (for example, 30 minutes before exercise or at night) to reduce hypoglycaemia risk, but further research and individual clinical advice are needed before routine use. It should not replace established emergency hypoglycaemia treatments.
To read the publication, click here