A small dose of whey protein co-ingested with mixed-macronutrient breakfast and lunch meals improves postprandial glycemia and suppresses appetite in men with type 2 diabetes: a randomized controlled trial

Am J Clin Nutr. 2018 Apr 1;107(4):550-557. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/nqy019.

Abstract

Background: Large doses of whey protein consumed as a preload before single high-glycemic load meals has been shown to improve postprandial glycemia in type 2 diabetes. It is unclear if this effect remains with smaller doses of whey co-ingested at consecutive mixed-macronutrient meals. Moreover, whether hydrolyzed whey offers further benefit under these conditions is unclear.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate postprandial glycemic and appetite responses after small doses of intact and hydrolyzed whey protein co-ingested with mixed-nutrient breakfast and lunch meals in men with type 2 diabetes.

Design: In a randomized, single-blind crossover design, 11 men with type 2 diabetes [mean ± SD age: 54.9 ± 2.3 y; glycated hemoglobin: 6.8% ± 0.3% (51.3 ± 3.4 mmol/mol)] attended the laboratory on 3 mornings and consumed 1) intact whey protein (15 g), 2) hydrolyzed whey protein (15 g), or 3) placebo (control) immediately before mixed-macronutrient breakfast and lunch meals, separated by 3 h. Blood samples were collected periodically and were processed for insulin, intact glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP), leptin, peptide tyrosine tyrosine (PYY3-36), and amino acid concentrations. Interstitial glucose was measured during and for 24 h after each trial. Subjective appetite was assessed with the use of visual analog scales.

Results: Total postprandial glycemia area under the curve was reduced by 13% ± 3% after breakfast following the intact whey protein when compared with control (P < 0.05). Hydrolyzed whey attenuated early glucose after breakfast when compared with control (P < 0.05). Glycemia was improved postlunch after the intact whey protein only when compared with control (P < 0.05). Greater satiety was observed after the intact whey protein only after both meals when compared with control (P < 0.05). Insulin concentrations increased after both the intact and hydrolyzed whey protein, showing strong positive correlations with increases in valine and isoleucine (P < 0.05). Incretin and appetite regulatory hormone responses were similar across trials (P > 0.05).

Conclusions: The consumption of a small 15-g dose of intact whey protein immediately before consecutive mixed-macronutrient meals improves postprandial glycemia, stimulates insulin release, and increases satiety in men with type 2 diabetes. This trial was registered at www.clinicialtrials.gov as NCT02903199.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Appetite*
  • Blood Glucose*
  • Breakfast*
  • Cross-Over Studies
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2*
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Humans
  • Insulin / blood
  • Lunch*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Postprandial Period
  • Single-Blind Method
  • Whey Proteins / administration & dosage*
  • Whey Proteins / pharmacology

Substances

  • Blood Glucose
  • Insulin
  • Whey Proteins

Associated data

  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT02903199