Consumption Of Protein Food Before Carbohydrates, Turns Out To Lower Blood Sugar After Eating

YOGYAKARTA Considering eating sequences turns out to be as important as selective in choosing a food menu. As research results show that the consumption of protein foods before carbohydrates or heavy foods, turns out to have an effect on blood sugar. Research published in the journal Diabetes Care, researchers suggest their findings may have major implications for diabetic patients.

This study found, consuming protein, vegetables, and fats before carbohydrates can help low levels of glucose and insulin. Blood sugar levels of type 2 diabetics, on average, will spike after eating. They are at higher risk of developing complications, including hardening of arteries and heart disease, which eventually lead to death.

The study involved 11 obese patients and type 2 diabetes who consumed metformin, or glucose-grade control drugs. They are asked to eat the same food with a different sequence of 1 week apart. So that way, researchers can observe glucose spikes after eating. The food served consists of chicken chest, low-fat sauce, steamed broccoli with butter, lettuce, salad tomatoes, orange juice, and ciabatta bread. The glucose and insulin levels of these research participants decreased when carbohydrates were last eaten.

The participants' glucose levels were measured in the morning, or 12 hours after they last ate. On the first day of research, participants were asked to eat carbohydrates in their food first. Then 15 minutes later followed by protein, vegetables, and fat. The participants' glucose levels were examined 30, 60, and 120 minutes after eating.

The experiment repeated 1 week later, with a different ordering of eating. The ordering of eating is reversed, protein and vegetables and fat are eaten first. While carbohydrates, eaten 15 minutes later. When vegetables and protein are eaten before carbohydrates, researchers found that glucose levels are 29%, 37%, and 17% lower at 30, 60, and 120 minutes, compared to when carbohydrates are consumed first. In addition, insulin is found to be significantly lower when participants eat vegetables and proteins first.

Doctor Louis Arnenne, a Professor of Metabolic Research and clinical doctor at Weill Corell Medical College, said the findings were a recommendation for diabetic patients. Arne said as reported by Medical News Today, Friday, February 28, based on these findings type 2 diabetes patients may be able to make simple changes to reduce their blood sugar throughout the day. They can also use this diet to reduce the amount of insulin they consume and potentially have a long-term positive impact on their health.