Impact of Breakfast Composition on Glycemic and Incretin Responses in Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes

Effect of a High Protein Breakfast on Glycemic Control, Insulin Sensitivity, and Beta Cell Function in Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes (T2D)

This study examined the effect of a high protein or high carbohydrate breakfast on the glucose and insulin response following the breakfast meal, as well as the subsequent response following the lunch meal.

Twelve habitual breakfast consumers with type 2 diabetes (T2D) were recruited for the study. They completed two, 7-day conditions in random order with a minimum of a 7-day washout period between study days. They consumed either a high protein (PRO) or high carbohydrate (CHO) breakfast for 6 days of acclimatization, and on the seventh day, they reported to the lab at 0700 hours following a ~12 hour overnight fast and underwent forearm catheterization before a baseline blood draw. The participants consumed the respective breakfast at ~0730 hours. Four hours post-breakfast, subjects consumed a standard lunch meal. Blood samples were taken continuously throughout the 8-hour test day.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 21-55 y of age
• body mass index (BMI) between 30-40 kg/m2
• weight stable for the prior 6 months
• non-smokers
• minimal alcohol consumption (< 2 drinks per day)
• type 2 diabetic (diagnosed ≥ 2 y)
• a fasting glucose level above 120 mg/dL
• HbA1c between 6.5-9.0%

Exclusion Criteria:

• insulin
• β-blockers
• GLP-1 agonists (e.g. exenatide)
• dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP) inhibitors
• weight loss
• using weight-loss medications
• pregnant or lactating