Effects of co-ingesting glucose and whey protein on blood glucose, plasma insulin and glucagon concentrations, and gastric emptying, in older men with and without type 2 diabetes

Abstract

Aim: To investigate whether co-ingestion of dietary protein with, or before, carbohydrate may be a useful strategy to reduce postprandial hyperglycaemia in older men with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Materials and Methods: Blood glucose, plasma insulin and glucagon concentrations were measured for 180 minutes following ingestion of a drink containing 30 g of glucose (G; 120 kcal), 30 g of whey protein (120 kcal), 30 g of glucose plus 30 g of whey protein (GP; 240 kcal), or control (~2 kcal) in older men with T2D (n = 10, 77 ± 1 years; 31 ± 1.7 kg/m2) and without T2D (n = 10, 78 ± 2 years; 27 ± 1.4 kg/m2). Mixed model analysis was used. Results: GP versus G markedly reduced the increase in blood glucose concentrations (P