Diabetes High Protein Diet for Diabetes

High Protein Diet for Diabetes?
"High protein/high fat/low carbohydrate diets have attracted advocates intermittently for most of this century. The obesity epidemic has coincided with an economic boom in the area as expensive high protein/high fat diets have experienced an explosive increase in popularity. These diets are know by many names: Atkins diet, Zone diet, sugar-busters diet, etc. All make similar promises, despite assuming slightly different marketing demeanors...the question of whether these diets are safe for diabetic patients was presented during the 59th Annual Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Assn.

"Three of the foremost experts in diet therapy for diabetes, Marion Franz, and Drs. Mary C. Gannon and Frank Q. Nuttall presented their collective views on the high protein/high fat craze...

"Regarding high protein diets, Ms. Franz suggested that protein is a stronger stimulus to insulin secretion than carbohydrate, contrary to what is stated in may lay articles. In theory then, high protein/low carb. diets may worsen hyperinsulinemia 'excessive insulin production.]

"She noted however, that high protein/high fat diets have some advantages... 'reduced calories,] fall in glucose 'sugar] levels...appetite 'suppression.]...and loss of water-weight that accompanies reduction in carb. consumption.

"Unfortunately, there are many disadvantages to these diets. There are many nutrients in grains, fruits, vegetables...The fat associated with high protein diets is often saturated fat 'contributing to heart disease.] These diets are extremely difficult to continue beyond a few months. And finally, there are no peer-reviewed 'scientific] studies comparing the benefits of high fat to other more conventional regimens.

"Dr. Gannon reviewed the scientific literature about protein content of various human diets. She revealed the parameters for...daily protein consumption 'the "fad" diets were much higher than medical evidence has established as prudent.]...

"Drs. Gannon and Nuttall reported data from experiments in which either 50 grams of beef protein or 50 grams of water were ingested. The glucose values 'effect on diabetes] were indistinguishable."

The study was presented by Dr. Stephen DeCherney.

DETAILS: The article did not review the evidence that high protein diets reduce life span, as shown in the medical and scientific literature.