Keeping blood sugar levels within a normal range is important to staying healthy1
Prolonged periods with excessive glucose levels in the blood (hyperglycaemia) can cause damage to many tissues in the body, leading to the development of disabling and life-threatening health complications. Hyperglycemia complications can be prevented or delayed by maintaining blood glucose levels as close to normal as possible.
Millions of people worldwide struggle with poor control of their blood sugar levels2
An inability to control the level of glucose in the blood stream is a hallmark of people with diabetes. People with diabetes suffer from hyperglycemia either because they are not producing enough insulin (type 1), or because the body does not respond properly to insulin (type 2). Diabetes has now become a global epidemic for which WHO has called for action.
Apart from people with diabetes, a growing number of non-diabetic people have an impaired ability to regulate blood glucose levels, putting them at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
- >400 million people with diabetes globally suffer from hyperglycemia
- >300 million people globally are challenged by elevated blood glucose levels (not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis), a condition referred to as pre-diabetes.
People with diabetes or pre-diabetes are less able to control their blood glucose levels, have higher fasting glucose levels and typically experience longer periods of elevated blood glucose levels after meals.
Blood glucose levels are affected by diet and lifestyle choice
A large body of evidence supports the effectiveness of lifestyle interventions – healthy diet and physical exercise – for managing hyperglycemia and for delaying and preventing diabetes complications.
A recent clinical study carried out in collaboration with researchers at the University of Newcastle demonstrated that, by ingesting 15g of Lacprodan® whey protein before a meal (pre-meal), people with type 2 diabetes obtained better control of their blood sugar levels3.
Benefits of whey proteins for natural blood sugar control
Dietary protein has a stimulating effect on insulin secretion (insulinotrophic) – and thus helps stabilise blood glucose levels after a meal.
Particularly, whey protein has a strong insulin stimulating effect and long term whey protein intake has been shown to lower fasting insulin levels and reduce insulin resistance.
Based on the clinical study, a scientific paper has been produced about the improved blood glucose control obtained with Lacprodan® whey protein.
Relevant links:
World Health Organization (WHO)
International Diabetes Foundation
References:
- World Health Organization. Global health risks: mortality and burden of disease attributable to selected major risks. ISBN 978 92 4 156387 1. WHO. 2009
- IDF Atlas 2015. 7th edition
- King et al. in press
