Benefits of Whey Proteins on Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Parameters and Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality, and it is a major risk factor for the early onset of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). More than genetics, food, physical activity, walkability, and air pollution are lifestyle factors, which have the greatest impact on T2DM. Certain diets have been shown to be associated with lower T2DM and cardiovascular risk. Diminishing added sugar and processed fats and increasing antioxidant-rich vegetable and fruit intake has often been highlighted, as in the Mediterranean diet. However, less is known about the interest of proteins in low-fat dairy and whey in particular, which have great potential to improve T2DM and could be used safely as a part of a multi-target strategy. This review discusses all the biochemical and clinical aspects of the benefits of high-quality whey, which is now considered a functional food, for prevention and improvement of T2DM and CVDs by insulin- and non-insulin-dependent mechanisms.

Whey Improves In Vitro Endothelial Mitochondrial Function and Metabolic Redox Status in Diabetic State

“…The ingestion of whey protein before/after intense exercise enhanced insulin-stimulated perfusion in T2DM individuals [ 60 ]. Milk-derived whey ameliorated insulin secretion in obese, prediabetic, and T2DM subjects, reducing postprandial hyperglycemia and improving lipidemia by exerting antioxidative effects, as an enhancer of GSH synthesis and endogenous antioxidative enzyme system [ 61 ]. Similarly, the present study showed that 3-kDa whey fraction was effective in counteracting GSH/GSSG and NAD + /NADH depletion and able to protect EC from oxidative stress-induced damage by regulating key antioxidant and metabolic enzymes such as LDH, PPAR-α, PPAR-γ, and SREBP1.…”

Effects of supplementation with milk protein on glycemic parameters: a GRADE-assessed systematic review and dose–response meta-analysis

“…It has been revealed that the insulinotropic impact of MP is related to certain AAs, in particular BCAAs [ 94 ]. Leucine induces glutamate dehydrogenase activity in β-cells that leads to an enhancement in Krebs cycle activity and insulin production [ 95 ].…”

Protein-based nutritional strategies to manage the development of diabetes: evidence and challenges in human studies

“…The main difference in terms of ingestion is that the digestion of casein is slower than that of whey, and this has a clearly different effect in terms of impact on the carbohydrate's digestion. 34 Several reports have evaluated the efficacy of casein hydrolysates as a managing strategy for the development of diabetes. In terms of comparison of native proteins with their hydrolysates, it has been described that milk protein hydrolysates provoked around 50% more gastric secretion compared to the natural protein, along with an increase of GIP plasma concentrations reported at the beginning of the gastric emptying process.…”