Help Glycemic Control With Protein
Importance of Protein Diet to help Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes
Proteins are the natural choice of the body when faced with diabetes. In uncontrolled diabetes, muscle protein is broken down into amino acids to be converted into glucose by the liver. Since proteins have to supply enough energy to substitute for carbohydrates, proteins are broken down faster than they are made. This creates a protein deficit, which can have extensive effects on normal body functions. Replenishing protein stores is a vital requirement of all diabetic diets.
The importance of proteins in diabetic diets has been well documented. The American Associations of Clinical Endocrinologists recommends that 10-20% of the calorie intake in diabetes should come from proteins (AACE Diabetes Guidelines). It is believed that this is the one nutrient that does not increase blood glucose levels.
Over the years, nutrition therapy for diabetes has progressed from prevention of obesity or weight gain to improving insulin's effectiveness. In this new role, a high protein diet is a very important part of nutrition therapy. One of the most leading causes of type 2 diabetes is obesity. Excess body fat raises insulin resistance which means higher levels of insulin are required to bring down blood sugars as the weight increases, thus, any method that reduces body fat decreases insulin resistance and improves blood sugar control. It is speculated that a high protein diet has a positive effect in diabetes due to the ability of proteins and amino acids to stimulate insulin release from the pancreas. Therefore, a high protein diet is not only safe in diabetes, but can also be beneficial, resulting in improved glycemic control.
Medibar Diet's portion controlled protein supplements can help provide you the added protein your diabetic diet requires without supplying too many excess calories and fat. Not only will the supplements keep sugar intake low, the higher amounts of protein help to promote fat burning and keep your hunger to a minimum.