Exclusive content for medical professionals and students.

Vietnamese

Busca

Promoting Heart Health with a Diabetic Diet and Whey Protein

Diabetes

29/08/2025

Promoting Heart Health with a Diabetic Diet and Whey Protein

Heart Health in Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), which includes heart disease and stroke. As shown in figure 1, studies estimate that 80% of patients with T2D die of CVD.^1,2 Postprandial hyperglycemia (PPH) which is the earliest symptom of diabetes, is a major cause of long-term complications such as heart disease and stroke.³ Moreover, dyslipidemia, which is marked by hypertriglyceridemia, high low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, is a major cause of atherosclerosis and CVD. Patients suffering from T2D are predisposed to dyslipidemia, which in return makes them highly vulnerable to heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular comorbidities.⁴

Figure 1 80% of patients with T2D die of CVD — **Figure 1** 80% of patients with T2D die of CVD^21,2

Heart Healthy and Diabetes Diet

Whey protein is a scientifically backed food for diabetes and cholesterol sufferers. Whey has been extensively researched for improving glycemia in T2D. Now, new evidence indicates it can contribute toward heart health, in particular, managing dyslipidemia, a major underlying cause of CVD. This article sheds light on a systematic review and meta-analysis of 22 controlled clinical trials with over 1,100 participants, documenting whey protein's efficacy in correcting dyslipidemia and reducing CVD risk.⁴

Evidence-Based Food for Diabetes and Dyslipidemia

Figure 2 illustrates evidence-based benefits of whey protein on heart health. Meta-analysis of 22 trials demonstrated that whey protein reduced blood lipid levels. Whey protein led to a reduction of cholesterol/HDL ratio, total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides in metabolic syndrome patients, which in turn reduced CVD risk.^4,5

Figure 2 Whey Protein: Proven Benefits for Heart Health — **Figure 2** Whey Protein: Proven Benefits for Heart Health⁴

Whey Protein and Lipid Profile: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Amirani et al. study about “Effects of whey protein on glycemic control and serum lipoproteins in patients with metabolic syndrome and related conditions” reviewed 22 RCTs involving over 1,100 participants.4 The study results confirmed the following whey protein benefits for blood lipid profile:

Amirani et al. Study Key Findings:

A reduction in TG levels by a weighted mean difference (WMD) of -17.1 mg/dL (95% CI: −26.5, −7.7).^6-8
A reduction in total cholesterol levels was observed, with a WMD of -10.9 mg/dL (95% CI: −18.6, −3.2).^7-10
A reduction in LDL-C, often referred to as "bad cholesterol," by -8.5 mg/dL (95% CI: −16.6, −0.4).^7,9
A reduction in the TC/HDL ratio by -0.26 (95% CI: −0.41, −0.10).^9-11

Whey Protein Mechanism of Action

Whey protein mechanism of action is illustrated in figure 3. Whey protein suppresses cholesterol absorption and liver lipid generation. The branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) in whey protein can reduce levels of triglyceride and improve lipid metabolism. All these actions combined play a role in a healthier lipid profile.^12-17

Figure 3 Whey Protein Mechanism of Action Improves Blood Lipid Profile^4,12-17

Additional mechanisms of action of whey protein:

Whey protein also indirectly improves lipid metabolism and cardiovascular health. It improves insulin sensitivity, releases GLP-1 and inhibits ghrelin, and is anti-inflammatory in action, all of which lower CVD risk. Whey notably contains cysteine that produces glutathione, a strong antioxidant that can combat oxidative stress in dyslipidemia and endothelial dysfunction.⁴

Using Whey Protein in Practice

Evidence is in favor of inclusion of whey protein in T2D patient diets for managing risk of CVD. In individuals who have a high risk of obesity or who suffer from prediabetes, whey protein may be included in a prevention program.⁴

What’s Next?

The Role of Supplements, like Whey Protein, in Diabetes Management 👉

Institute for Public Health. National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2023: Non-communicable Diseases and Healthcare Demand — Key Findings. 2024.
Sowers JR, et al. Hypertension. 2001;37(5):1053–9.
Mignone LE, et al. World J Diabetes. 2015;6(14):1274–84.
Amirani E, et al. Lipids Health Dis. 2020;19:209.
Wang N, et al. Circ Cardiovasc Qual Outcomes. 2022;15(6):e008552.
Mohammadi-Sartang M, et al. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis. 2018;28(6):565–74.
Tovar J, et al. Nutr Metab (Lond). 2012;9:29.
Fekete AA, et al. Am J Clin Nutr. 2016;104(6):1534–44.
Tovar J, et al. Eur J Nutr. 2016;55(6):2295–303.
Denysschen CA, et al. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2009;6:8.
Kemmler W, et al. BMC Geriatr. 2018;18:70.
Pal S, et al. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2010;18(7):1354–9.
Graf S, et al. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2011;14(6):569–80.
Ohlsson L, et al. Am J Clin Nutr. 2010;91(3):672–8.
Sawyer L, et al. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2000;1482(1–2):136–48.
Reimer RA, et al. Nutrition. 2009;25(3):340–9.
Mortensen LS, et al. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2012;66(7):799–805.

Whey protein is well-known for its role as a non-pharmacological supplement for managing blood sugar levels, but did you know about its role in a heart healthy diabetes diet? This article sheds light on findings from 22 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving over 1,100 participants, highlighting how whey protein can benefit the overall lipid profile and heart health.

Other content you might be interested in

Intensive Lifestyle Interventions in Obesity and Diabetes

How does diabetes nutrition education with intensive lifestyle interventions impact diabetes patient outcomes in the realworld setting? Strong evidence now supports intensive lifestyle interventions that include a weight loss diet and exercise for diabetes. Learn more about The Look AHEAD study (Action for Health in Diabetes) and Why WAIT program (Weight Achievement and Intensive Treatment) results that demonstrated the efficacy of structured lifestyle interventions in managing diabetes.

Creating a Balanced Breakfast for Diabetes

Breakfast Nutrient Composition for Diabetes The macronutrient content in breakfast is an important decision in a diabetes meal plan. In the past decades, low-fat meals were recommended for reducing cardiovascular risk, a frequent comorbidity of type 2 diabetes (T2D), by lowering cholesterol levels. In doing so, however, these low-fat meals usually resulted in fat being replaced by carbohydrates, in large part in the forms of cereals and sugar, which have led to glycemic instability.1 In contrast, studies confirm that a diabetes low carb diet, high-protein breakfasts result in better glycemic control, insulin action, and release of incretins.2,3 This article delves into the science of breakfast ingredients for managing diabetes.

The Role of Supplements, like Whey Protein, in Diabetes Management

Whey protein (WP) is a nutritional and non-pharmacological diabetes therapy. In fact, WP has emerged as a powerful supplement for diabetes, particularly in controlling postprandial hyperglycemia (PPH). Backed by evidence from clinical trials, whey protein has unique mechanism of action that can reduce PPH levels, improve glycemic control in type 2 diabetes patients.

How Precision Nutrition Can Help with Diabetes

Precision nutrition in diabetes diets can help healthcare professionals come up with individualized diet plans based on metabolic, genetic, and behavioral factors. Studies identify a large heterogeneity of responses to foods, which contradicts the rationale for the same dietary guidance for all patients. Learn more about this innovative approach in the nutritional management of diabetes patients.

Meeting Summary of 39th International Symposium on Diabetes and Nutrition

This article will highlight some of the topics discussed in the 39th International Symposium on Diabetes and Nutrition. We will present topics about prevention and treatment of diabetes with nutrition and lifestyle. The article will present updated information about remission of diabetes through weight loss, timely intervention in prediabetes and precision nutrition’s role in cardiometabolic health.

Meeting Summary of the 2021 & 2022 EASD Symposium

Managing blood sugar levels through non-drug therapies is possible and is backed by science and clinical studies. The EASD 2021 and 2022 symposiums highlighted how non-pharmacological strategies, like whey protein and Morus Alba extract, can help regulate post-prandial glycemia. Learn more about the importance of addressing PPH in type 2 diabetes and the clinical study results supporting the use of non-pharmacological and natural nutritional therapies.

The Role of Breakfast in Managing Diabetes

This article entitled The Role of Breakfast in Managing Diabetes sheds light on the role of breakfast in managing blood glucose. New evidence, based on the results of the Jakubowicz et al. Study, confirms the role of breakfast in preventing and managing diabetes. Find out how skipping breakfast can disrupt blood glucose levels throughout the day in patients with prediabetes or diabetes. Also learn what constitutes a metabolically healthy breakfast for your patients.

Understanding the Science behind Diabetes-Specific Food

This article presents the science behind special diabetes food. Diabetes-specific oral nutrition supplements, which consist of a tailored macronutrient composition have proven efficacy for glycemic control. Discover an overview of posters and publications of large clinical trials comparing DS-ONS vs. standard ONS in type 2 diabetes patients. Evidenced-based outcomes support integration of DS-ONS in medical nutrition care for diabetes patients.

Using a Low Carb Diet to Control Type 2 Diabetes

In type 2 diabetes nutrition, a low carb diabetes diet has emerged as a recommended strategy. Accordingly, diabetes-specific nutritional formulas (DSNFs) are formulated with optimized macronutrient compositions that take into account the latest diabetes nutritional strategies. Both low carbohydrate diets and DSNFs aim to stabilize blood glucose levels and enhance insulin sensitivity. Find out more about these interventions.

Can Diabetes be Cured?

Can type 2 diabetes be cured ? The answer is yes. Type 2 diabetes is traditionally recognized as a chronic disease that needs lifelong treatment. Yet, new evidence now shows remission is possible using an evidence-based nutritional and weight loss approach. Learn more about the clinical results of structured weight loss program based on the DiRECT and DiRECT-Aus studies.

Understanding Diabetes and Nutrition Guidelines

Based on the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) statistics, nearly half of all adults with diabetes worldwide remain undiagnosed. This is equivalent to around 239.7 million people unaware of their condition. Particularly in South-East Asia undiagnosed diabetes rates exceed 50%. Learn more about solutions for this problem and how diabetes-specific formulas can help your patients control their blood glucose.

Exploring Specialized Food for Diabetes Management

Special diabetes food in diabetes nutrition includes the scientifically proven Diabetes-Specific Nutrition Formulas (DSNFs). DSNFs offer a non-pharmacological evidence-based diabetes therapy by providing a well-balanced macronutrient distribution, low-GI carbohydrates, and essential micronutrients. Learn more about the benefits of DSNFs vs standard nutrition formulas.