Protein

This page is not about whether you eat meat or not. It can be harder sometimes to balance a meal when your proteins all have carbs too, but meat is a choice, and good control can be maintained no matter what the choice.

Brittle diabetics have to count protein, both to get enough, and to avoid getting too much. Many others do not, because it won't significantly affect their blood sugar. People who are attempting to closely control weight may also have to count protein.

Protein DOES have an effect on blood sugar. Because it converts to sugar if needed. It can also be used to build muscle. In the body, many substances are interchangeable, so if a shortage of one occurs, it draws from the surplus of something else, converts it, and keeps going.

Protein also slows down the absorption of carbohydrates, because it is slower to digest. And a meal with protein in it can help you last longer between meals without unpleasant or dangerous lows.

The simplest forms of protein to eat are meats, because they are concentrated, easy to prepare or grab on the run, and they are not complicated by carbohydrates that have to be counted. Nuts, eggs, and cheeses are next easiest, because they are also fast, and in controlled servings, do not have carbohydrates that require counting (nuts do if you have very much at one time). Beans, milk, yogurt, and other good but not high sources of protein are more complicated because they have carbs that have to be counted. Beans can take more time to prepare, or be harder to eat on the run.

Protein foods are good sources of specific minerals, and have value beyond just the protein itself. They also tend to be good sources of certain fat soluble vitamins.

In previous generations, a high protein, high fat, low carbohydrate diet was recommended for diabetics. We now know that balance is better, with controlled amounts of carbohydrates, plenty of non-starchy veggies, and healthy amounts of protein and fat.

Understanding the proper role of protein foods in your diet, and how to use them for your particular needs, can help you to stabilize your glucose results, and to maintain better overall control.

Written by Laura Wheeler, Owner of Firelight Business Enterprises, Inc.