Protein supplements have long been known to aid in the weight loss programs while helping to build muscles. However, a diabetic has to go an extra mile and take care of whether these supplements are safe enough to be had. As we know Diabetes is a complicated condition and when you are affected with the same, you are usually extremely careful about what you should include in your diet or not. Today’s topic of discussion is the relationship between diabetes and the protein supplements.

So, let us find answers to the question “Can Diabetics Take Protein Supplements?”

About Protein Supplements

Each one of us requires protein in the body as it is one of the most essential elements. However, if you are someone who is into regular exercising, are ill, or are someone who does not have enough amount of nutrients in your body, you perhaps require more protein as compared to other individuals. The main sources of protein that is naturally available include milk, soy, eggs, fish, and meat. However, a few people, particularly vegetarians do not get enough of this. As a result, you need to go for alternative sources of protein such as protein powder and other protein supplements.

Amongst all the protein supplements that are available, whey protein is considered to be the best for several reasons.It is a storehouse of all the essential amino acids that are required by the body. Whey protein is the most effective protein that is absorbed by the body in the best possible way. It helps in the following:

• Helps to build muscles
• The protein helps to maintain and activate the immune system of the body
• The presence of amino acid leucine in this particular type of protein further goes a great deal to benefit the health of the people
• It is a well-known fact that this type of protein is digested very slowly and as a result, you do not feel hungry too soon.
• It has also been known to improve the sensitivity of the body towards the hormone insulin which as we know, goes a long way in helping to treat diabetes
• Finally, whey protein leads to stabilizing the high levels of triglycerides in the body of the individuals

Further benefits of taking protein supplements when you are a diabetic person are listed down in the section that follows.

Benefits of Protein Powder for Those with Diabetes

The following are the various benefits that you get if you are a diabetic and you choose a protein powder as a supplement for your protein intake.

• It is a well-known fact that losing weight is an important way of better dealing with type 2 diabetes. As a result, you would want to lose all extra calories. When you exercise regularly, you should drink a protein shake post the same. This goes a long way in helping you burn more calories and thereby lose weight. All this without losing the muscles that you might have built up.
• Further, drinking a protein shake goes a long way in controlling your hunger. This shall further assist you to shed all those extra calories that you have accumulated
• Stress is one of the major factors that contribute to a lot of diseases in human beings. This includes diabetes. When you are stressed, the hormones that are released from the body leads to further increase in the blood glucose levels. this, in turn, gives rise to diabetic complications. By increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain cells, protein shakes lead to a reduction in the stress levels
• When you take whey protein just before eating your meals, it is likely that the level of your blood glucose level will fall down and you shall be able to maintain stable levels of blood glucose.

Having highlighted the above benefits, it is important to remember that you do need to take a few precautions when you are diabetic and are taking protein supplements.

Things to Keep in Mind When you are Taking Protein Supplements:

Keep the following in mind while taking protein shakes and other supplements in diabetes:

• Ensure that the protein shake or supplement that you are taking is something that has been given a go-ahead by your doctor.
• Keep in mind that protein supplements might interfere with the various medicines that you have so far been taking for dealing with your diabetic condition.
• Besides, you need to remember how much has diabetes affected you. For example, if you are someone who is suffering from a kidney disorder owing to diabetes, you better not take too much of the supplement as the same will further hamper your kidneys.
• keep in mind that when you are a diabetes patient, it is important for you to keep a track of the nutrients and vitamins that you are taking. There is always a limit that is defined for you and you should eat food accordingly. A protein supplement is no different and you should be aware of the total protein intake. For example, if you are a woman who has a sedentary way of life, you might be needing somewhere around 46 grams of protein as against someone who is into regular exercising.
• You should try to choose that protein powder that is specifically meant for diabetes people. Some of the best- known protein powders include:
• Glucerna Nutrition Shake
• Metabolic Nutrition Protizyme Dietary Supplement
• Nutra Bio 100% Whey Protein Concentrate

You should further weigh carefully the advantages and disadvantages of each of these products and understand how the same will affect your diabetes.

We hope that the above post has been helpful in improving your understanding of the relationship that exists between diabetes and protein supplements. As is clear from the article, it is safe enough to take the various protein supplements if your doctor has so prescribed and if you are taking all the necessary precautions as pointed above.