Protein and Diabetes Management: Everything You Need To Know

Blogs04 Sep 2024

Diabetes is a fast-growing lifestyle disorder that is taking over the world, more so in India. Did you know that nearly 7.7 crores or 77 million adults (people above 18) in India are diabetic? And that’s not all. About 2.5 crore Indian adults fall under the range of prediabetic, which means they are highly likely to suffer from diabetes in the near future if they don’t make necessary changes. Additionally, a huge number of adults are completely unaware of their diabetic status as well! Such is the condition of diabetes in India. Since diabetes is a metabolic condition, one of the main ways to manage it is through lifestyle changes with a keen focus on nutrition.

In this article, we’ll explore one aspect of nutrition: protein for diabetics. Does protein help in diabetes management? Does it cause any harmful side effects? We’ll answer all of this and more. So let’s get started!

What is diabetes?

Before we get into diabetes management and protein, let’s clear out the basics. But do you know what it is and how it can affect the body? Diabetes is a chronic medical condition in which blood sugar levels rise, leading to serious damage to the blood vessels, heart and eyes over the years.

There are two main types of diabetes:

1. Type 1 - In this condition the body’s immune system attacks the pancreas which leads to very little to no insulin production.
2. Type 2 - In this condition, the pancreas produces less insulin and the body becomes resistant to the insulin produced.

Insulin is important to because insulin helps move glucose from the blood into cells to generate energy. It also helps the liver store blood sugar for later use. Insulin resistance can affect cells in the liver, muscles, and fat, making it difficult for them to absorb glucose from the blood. The absence of insulin makes the body turn to fat and muscle to burn for energy which may lead to weight loss. This can also release harmful acids, known as ketones in the body and cause other symptoms such as nausea, pain, difficulty in breathing etc.

Protein for Diabetic Patients: How Can It Help?

Protein is one of the most important nutrients that we require to sustain our lives. It’s a structural and functional part of our bodies that is responsible for several functions including building the structure and functions of the body, supporting immunity, increasing satiety etc. Protein is also key in hormone and enzyme production and several biochemical reactions in the body.

Research has found that having a diet high in protein for diabetics

1. May help in controlling blood glucose levels in type 2 Diabetes.
2. Might also help maintain post-meal blood glucose levels.
3. Could improve satiety and help in weight management.

So how much protein do you need?

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) recommends that an average Indian adult should consume 0.8–1 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight every day, or about 48 grams per day. For a protein diet for diabetes type 2, it is best to consult with your physician or a qualified dietician for a personalised diet plan.

Risks with an increase in protein intake

While protein is an important component of our food, there are a few risks that come with having more protein for diabetes patients. Here’s what you should be aware of:

• Diabetic neuropathy or diabetic kidney disease is a chronic condition that deteriorates kidney function in diabetic patients. It is one of the leading causes of renal failure and one of the ways to manage it has been to cut down on protein as it can make matters worse. If your kidney function is weak or you face issues, your physician may recommend you restrict your protein intake.
• Sources of protein Internal Linlithat are higher in fats and calories may be harmful to health when consumed excessively. This is because high fats can negatively affect insulin sensitivity.

Visiting a healthcare professional and learning about diabetes management and proper protein intake can be the ideal way to avoid such problems and take good care of your health.

Conclusion

Diabetes as a health condition is common but complicated in itself. Managing it correctly requires a wealth of knowledge that only a trained medical professional can provide. Diabetes is a lifestyle disorder which is why most organisations will agree that lifestyle changes can help manage this condition better. However, what kind of changes to make, and most importantly what kind of food you must eat must be dictated by your physician. Protein could be an important aspect of nutrition when it comes to diabetes management as it has capabilities that may help manage high blood sugar level.

Explore Right Shift for more such informational articles on health, nutrition and ageing. You can calculate your health score on our website to understand what you need to work on. We are cheerleaders on your midlife journey towards healthy ageing , so make the right shift today!