Diabetics may need more protein than non-diabetics. Protein is used to build the bones, tissue, and essentially all the structures of the body. These building processes are called "anabolic".

Diabetics are under constant stress. High blood sugar stresses the pancreas to produce excess insulin. This leads to many other stress reactions in the body. One of the stress reactions is the release of cortisol into the bloodstream.

Cortisol is a "catabolic hormone." This means it breaks things down as opposed to anabolic, which stimulates growth. Cortisol is produced when there is stress in the body. A diabetic's body is stressed almost all the time. The constant activation of the immune system, the nervous system, the detox system, possible problems from side effects, and many other problems stress a diabetic's body all the time. This results in the body producing excess cortisol to adapt to these stresses.

This means a diabetic, who is producing excess cortisol most of the time, is literally in a catabolic state, meaning the body is breaking down more than normal. The body needs to repair these breakdowns and it uses protein to repair and grow cells. The reason we suggest diabetics may need extra protein is a diabetic needs enough protein for usual function and additional protein to compensate for the catabolic processes going on due to excess cortisol and other stresses.

In addition, cortisol stimulates overproduction of insulin, which can lead to storage of fat. Excess fat in a diabetic dilutes the hormone called human growth hormone (HGH). HGH is a vital anabolic hormone in the body that helps to grow, repair, and heal tissue. Excess fat can destroy HGH levels in the body. This leads to imbalance between the anabolic and catabolic hormones. Testosterone is another vital anabolic hormone in the body. It works in synergy with HGH. Therefore when HGH levels are reduced this reduces the effectiveness of testosterone. Also, increased insulin in the bloodstream reduces HGH levels and increased HGH levels in the bloodstream reduce insulin levels. Therefore the over production of insulin by cortisol stimulation also has the effect of reducing HGH in the bloodstream.

A diabetic needs to resist these catabolic reactions in the body. One method we suggest is to supplement extra protein. One type of protein supplement to consider is whey protein. Whey has been shown to increase HGH levels in the body and boost immunity. It is also a short chain peptide, meaning the body easily digests it. It is easy on digestion and it supplies high quality protein. One excellent type of whey supplement is called ion-exchange whey protein concentrate.

Another possible excellent form of protein for diabetics is soy products (do not use soy sauce or soybean oil). Soy products are high in protein. One excellent form of soy supplementation is soy powder. One excellent method to supplement protein is to combine 2 parts whey and 1 part soy powder.

The normal amount of protein usually recommended for non-diabetics is about ¾-1 gram for every two pounds of body weight. If a person works out, then you increase the protein to between 1-2 grams per 2 pounds of body weight. This amount will depend on the intensity of the workout.

Dr Bob Gibson is mentioned many times on this web site. Dr. Bob was a MD internal medicine, orthomolecular doctor, MD psychiatrist, chiropractor, and healer 65 years. He was a diabetic who lived to 108 years with only 1 side effect 2 years before he passed away. He treated diabetics for over 50 years. He said that after a great amount of trial and error he added about 25% additional protein above the one gram for two pounds of body weight for a diabetic. If a diabetic worked out he would add an additional half-gram per two pounds of body weight. Sometimes a diabetic's body, especially after the age of 45, starts to decline rapidly. This leads to declining function in metabolism, which can result in declining digestion. If a diabetic is starting to get sick often, is getting tired easily, is starting to fall apart literally, then his protein needs will be even greater to overcome the declining efficiency in the body.

To sum up Dr. Bob's ideas on protein supplementation, type I and type II diabetics should consider 1-2 grams protein per 2 pounds of body weight, depending on age, weight, tolerance, and level of health. If a diabetic is in a catabolic state such as gangrene or ulcer sores, under great stress, ill, not aging well, exercise, and so on then up to 2 grams of protein might be advised. However, Dr. Bob only advised increasing vegetable protein and protein supplements easy on the digestion, such as whey powder.

WARNING - Diabetics are usually recommended to eat about 20% protein daily. The reason is diabetics have inefficient metabolism and this results in inefficient metabolism of protein as well. Eating more than 20% protein can lead to increasing toxic levels of protein in the bloodstream that are not properly metabolized. Therefore this article is only advising protein supplements such as whey, powdered soy, and vegetable proteins such as soybeans that are easy on the digestion. Protein from meat, fish, poultry and diary products, that are hard on the digestion, should only be increased in the diet in consultation with your doctor. Read the article "Understanding High Protein Diets for Diabetes" for more information.

One more suggestion is if you work out at the gym or take a thirty-minute walk, then also supplement HMB. This is a supplement that slows down catabolic breakdown in lean tissue in the body. You can take HMB and the whey about thirty minutes to an hour after the workout. There is more information that describes this in the article "Exercise for Type I and Type II Diabetes".

In type I diabetes there is more protein loss and breakdown than in type II diabetes and this means a type I will usually need more protein than a type II. Therefore a type I diabetic should consider a protein malt and HMB after a workout in order to build muscle. Also, due to the muscle breakdown and wasting of type I diabetes, it is advised by Dr. Bob to not miss the protein shake and HMB after a workout.

Also, Dr. Bob advised adding multi-fiber (there are many different fibers and this is why multi-fiber is advised) to protein supplements. The fiber slows down carbohydrate and sugar metabolism, but lets protein into the bloodstream. Furthermore, even when low in carbohydrates, protein shakes can lead to blood sugar spikes. The fiber can aid in controlling the spikes.


Note – In order for these anti-aging ideas to be successful, you must use supplements of the highest quality. Dr. Bob often said, "almost all supplement companies produce poor quality." You can consider the product page of this web site. Almost all the products met Dr. Bob’s approval. Since he passed away we have attempted to keep the same high standards.

WARNING:  DO NOT STOP ANY TREATMENT OR MEDICATION YOU CURRENTLY USE.  CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING THE USE OF SUPPLEMENTS. 

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