The role of high-protein diets in the management of glycaemic control in people with type 2 diabetes.

Purpose of review: Type 2 diabetes is a complex and multifactorial disease with dietary treatment often recommended as the first line management strategy. Whilst caloric restriction remains the most-effective means of obtaining diabetes remission, high-protein diets (25-35% of energy intake) have garnered interest for their potential role in optimizing postprandial and longer-term glycaemic control. High-protein diets are not currently an established recommendation for people with diabetes and here we discuss the recent evidence for high-protein diets and glycaemic control.

Recent findings: This review highlights the evidence demonstrating improved postprandial glycaemia after acute protein ingestion due to increased insulin secretion, and whether this translates into longer-term dietary intervention trials. The impact of the source of protein is clear within acute postprandial studies, but appears less relevant over longer periods. We also discuss the caveats surrounding high-protein diets, including the weight-loss independent benefits and the accompanying reduction in dietary carbohydrate.

Summary: High-protein diets, in combination with a reduction in carbohydrate intake, may be a useful dietary strategy in the management of glycaemic control in people with type 2 diabetes.