Abbott study emphasizes protein intake for diabetic patients’ mobility

30 Jul 2021 --- Half of US adults living with some form of diabetes are not consuming enough protein, which could be contributing to muscle loss and physical limitations. This is according to a study funded by healthcare company Abbott. 

Now published in Nutrients, the study results highlight protein intake as an essential and often overlooked consideration in meeting the nutritional needs of people living with diabetes and its importance in supporting strength and mobility. 

Currently, around 34.2 million US adults live with some form of diabetes, and around 88 million have prediabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

“We’ve long studied the impact of sugar consumption in people living with diabetes, but new data shed light on the critical association between low protein intake and diabetes,” says Dr. Christopher Taylor, lead researcher and professor of medical dietetics at The Ohio State University School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, where the study was carried out. 

“Diabetes is associated with a risk for developing low muscle mass, which can lead to falls and other injuries. That’s why protein consumption – and awareness of the need for it – is critical to maintaining muscle mass and preserving functional mobility, which can help people living with diabetes live stronger overall lives.” 

Poor diets could be adversely affecting the 33 million US adults living with diabetes.The importance of protein for diabetes 
Researchers used a retrospective cross-sectional analysis to examine data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) collected between 2005 and 2016 from more than 23,000 adults in the US. 

The findings showed that around 52 percent of those living with diabetes who did not consume the daily recommendation of protein reported a higher prevalence of physical limitations. These include difficulties completing basic movements, such as stooping, crouching, kneeling, standing for long periods and pushing or pulling large objects.

Conversely, adults with diabetes who met protein recommendations had better overall diet quality, more closely meeting dietary recommendations for total daily intake of vegetables, whole grains, dairy and added sugars.

People with diabetes who exhibited low protein intake also showed significantly poorer nutrient density, lower overall diet quality, and consumed 12.5 percent more carbohydrates, which may negatively impact glucose levels.

“This study highlights the importance of the quality of foods in our diet as well as the number of nutrients we need daily – both of which have a significant impact on health and mobility, especially for people living with diabetes,” comments Dr. Sara Thomas, a research scientist and dietitian at Abbott specializing in diabetes. 

“Nutrition education will help people successfully manage a condition like diabetes, emphasizing the need to achieve a well-rounded diet with the right nutrients and avoid foods that are detrimental to optimal health.”Consuming adequate protein is essential in maintaining mobility for Diabetes patients, the study suggests.

Sarcopenia supplementation 
Abbott is using the results to highlight the importance of protein supplementation as a method of ensuring a healthy diet in people living with diabetes. 

The company’s Glucerna 1.5 CAL supplement is specifically designed to help diabetic people manage their blood sugar levels.

It contains 30 g protein powder along with Carbsteady, a formulation of low-glycemic carbohydrates clinically shown to help minimize blood glucose response. 

Abbott is also running a program called Path to Progress, through which it encourages diabetes sufferers to replace unhealthy meals with a Glucerna supplement. 

Recently, a UK study from the Centre for Nutraceuticals at the University of Westminster found that shakes containing potato and rice protein are better than whey protein at managing blood glucose levels and reducing spikes in insulin. It also concluded that potato and rice proteins can be equally effective at managing appetite.

Edited 

By Louis Gore-Langton