NUTRITION CARE

Half of Americans Living with Diabetes May Not Get Enough Protein

Half of Americans Living with Diabetes May Not Get Enough Protein

Sub Heading

A study highlights protein intake as essential.

Main Image

Duration

AUG. 02, 2021

3 MIN. READ

Description

Like everyone else, people living with diabetes should strive to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. You don't need to cook one meal for yourself and another for the rest of your family. Well-balanced meals, which include lean protein, vegetables, healthy fats, and whole grains, are healthy for everyone and help manage blood sugar.

When preparing those meals, it is important to prioritize protein. Protein is a nutrient that has a minimal impact on blood sugar levels and has the added benefits of helping satisfy hunger. Try to aim for 20-25 grams of protein at every meal and find snacks with higher protein quantities.

A study from Abbott and The Ohio State University, published in Nutrients, found half of adults surveyed in the U.S. living with diabetes did not get enough protein in their diet.

The study highlights 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.

This study highlights the importance of the quality of foods in our diet as well as the quantity of nutrients we need daily—both of which have a significant impact on health and mobility, especially for people living with diabetes.

Sara Thomas, Ph.D., R.D.N., research scientist, and dietitian, Abbott

Researchers examined differences in diet quality, nutrient intakes, and functional limitations by protein intake across people with varying glycemic levels. Here is what they found.

People living with diabetes who did not consume the daily recommendation of protein on the day of intake reported a higher prevalence of physical limitations, including difficulty completing basic movements, such as stooping, crouching, kneeling, standing for long periods, and pushing or pulling large objects.
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 reported
significantly poorer nutrient density, lower overall diet quality, and consumed 12.5% 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 quantity of nutrients we need daily—both of which have a significant impact on health and mobility, especially for people living with diabetes,” said Sara Thomas, Ph.D., R.D.N., 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.”

Abbott developed the Glucerna 30g protein shake made with CARBSTEADY^® (a unique blend of slow-release carbohydrates) and 30 grams of protein per 11 fl oz serving, to help people with diabetes more easily meet important daily protein needs. Additionally, the Glucerna Path to Progress program, which encourages people with diabetes to swap poor food choices with more nutritious options, provides people with access to nutrition-focused information and education to support them in successfully managing the condition.

Managing blood sugar is an ongoing process. Your nutrition needs might change during your life, depending on the progress of your condition. Learning as much as you can about diabetes nutrition is the best way to manage your blood sugar and live your best life.

RELATED ARTICLE

See More

What Is the Glycemic Index? Understanding Low vs. High Glycemic Carbohydrates

Main Image
Heading: Understanding Low vs. High Glycemic Foods
Description: If you have diabetes, you're probably well aware that some foods elevate blood sugar levels more than others after a meal. This is called postprandial glucose response (PPG response), and it's key to effective diabetes management. To understand how certain foods affect your blood sugar, it can be helpful to know where they land on the glycemic index scale. But what is the glycemic index, exactly, and how does it affect PPG response?
Reference Page Path: /content/an/newsroom/us/en/nutrition-care/chronic-conditions/what-is-the-glycemic-index--understanding-low-vs--high-glycemic-.html

SELF QUIZ

NUTRITION IS THE FOUNDATION FOR LIVING YOUR BEST LIFE. THAT’S WHY WE WORK HARD TO ADVANCE AND SHARE THE LATEST SCIENCE AND CREATE BETTER WAYS TO NOURISH YOUR BODY AT EVERY STAGE OF LIFE.

Subscribe Policy

I understand and agree that the information I’ve provided will be used according to the terms of Abbott’s Privacy Policy. Terms and conditions apply.

Unless otherwise specified, all product and services names appearing in this Internet site are trademarks owned by or licensed to Abbott, its subsidiaries or affiliates. No use of any Abbott trademark, tradename, or trade dress in the site may be made without the prior written authorization of Abbott, except to identify the product or services of the company.