Protein

There is a need for more long-term studies on protein intake for people with diabetes in order to be able to make evidence-based recommendations. The WHO recommendation for intake of protein for adults is 0.8 g/kg/day but most European populations consume more than this. There is epidemiological evidence to suggest that diets rich in protein may contribute to the pathogenesis of early nephropathy. 

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There are also studies which indicate that protein intakes at the lower end of the recommendation may have advantages in people with diabetes with renal changes. In people with evidence of clinical diabetic nephropathy a protein restriction to <0.6 g/kg/day can reduce the elevated GFR and albuminuria. In people with persistent proteinuria a similar protein restriction has been shown to modify the progression of the disease. There is no conclusive evidence about the different properties of animal or vegetable proteins and their effect on diabetic renal disease. The recommendation for protein intake for people with diabetes is that it should range between 10 and 20% of total energy.

Aug 04, 06 • Nutritional Management of Diabetes Mellitus • Nutritional Recommendations in Diabetes Management •