Would you have thought that the humble liquid obtained from milk during cheese production could actually work wonders for diabetes? Well, there’s a surprise in the unlikeliest place. It turns out that the whey protein obtained from this whey has a tremendous effect on the blood sugar levels.

In April 2016, researchers at Tel Aviv University presented their interesting finding on whey protein at the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting in Boston.

According to the study, type 2 diabetic patients who have a protein-rich high-calorie breakfast (660 kcal), a moderate-sized lunch (567 kcal), and a light dinner (276 kcal) are able to lose weight and manage their diabetes better. This meal plan also works well for people dealing with obesity. 

In their analysis, the researchers randomly assigned 48 type 2 diabetic adults into 3 groups based on the meal plans. The diabetic adults were overweight or obese and were on an average 59 years of age. The adults followed their meal plans for 23 months

A group of 17 participants were provided a whey protein-breakfast diet consisting of a whey protein shake. The second group of 16 participants were provided a breakfast of other proteins, such as eggs, tuna, soy, while the third group of 15 participants were given a carbohydrate-rich breakfast diet.

The carbohydrate-breakfast group obtained just 17 g of protein while the first 2 groups obtained 49 grams of protein from their breakfast.

The study noted that in 12 weeks, individuals who ate the whey protein-breakfast showed the highest reduction in weight (7.6 kg) while those who were on the carbohydrate diet lost only 3.1 kg. The participants who ate the diet of eggs, tuna, and soy showed a reduction of 6.1 kg in their weight.

It was also noted that the spikes in blood sugar levels was reduced and the levels of glycated hemoglobin or HbA1C was also reduced in the whey protein diet.

The explanation behind the success of the whey protein in weight reduction and reduced blood sugar spikes is possibly because it suppresses the hunger hormone called “ghrelin”. When the person feels full and does not feel hungry, the need for food is reduced.

This finding gives a new twist to the unattractive whey. Having a protein-rich whey diet will certainly make life simpler for many type 2 diabetic and obese individuals. Perhaps everyone may not benefit from the whey protein but it willnot hurt to give it a shot to try to keep those sugar molecules in control.