Effects of Daily Protein Supplementation for 8 Weeks on Improved Glucose, Insulin, and HbA1c Levels in Pre-Diabetics or Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Previous investigations have demonstrated that simply adding 3 small protein feedings to the normal diet of overweight men and women, independent of caloric restriction and/or engaging in exercise training, significantly reduces body weight, fat mass, abdominal fat, waist circumference, and blood fat (triglyceride) levels (Arciero et al JAP, 2014), and confirms previous research (Baer et al, J Nutr, 2011). This timed ingestion is referred to as protein pacing (PP) and has been utilized in numerous scientific investigations with a great deal of success by the PI (see references). This one, simple, dietary modification, independent of reducing calorie intake and/or engaging in exercise training, is noteworthy and exceptional in terms of health improvements derived from diet alone. Unfortunately, the incidence and healthcare costs associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are overwhelming. Currently, more than 34 million Americans have T2DM (1 in 10) and is increasing at alarming rates (>4.0%/year) among all segments of the population. Equally disturbing, T2DM costs the US more than $330 billion a year, including $237 billion in direct medical costs and $90 billion in reduced worker productivity. Thus, identifying evidence-based, effective, time-efficient, and easy-to-follow lifestyle strategies are vital to reducing these staggering healthcare costs and improving the health of T2DM patients. Indeed, lifestyle therapies remain the most effective treatments for T2DM outcomes.

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of protein (whey) supplementation added to the normal diet of pre-diabetes or diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) men and women on plasma glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and total body fat levels. Specifically, this study will directly quantify the impact of 3x/day timed ingestion of supplemental whey protein (20 grams of 80 calories per serving) added to the normal diet of free-living pre-diabetic or T2DM men and women over an 8-week study period on the major diagnostic outcome of pre-diabetic and T2DM (HbA1c levels) and total body fat levels. This study will quantify changes in HbA1C and total body fat levels in 24 pre-diabetics or T2DM participants.