Whey Protein Ingestion Stimulates Glucagon Secretion and Raises Blood Glucose Levels in Adults With Type 1 Diabetes.

Dao, Giang M; Zhao, Sam; Schofield, Cara; Vogrin, Sara; Hennessy, Declan T; Smart, Carmel E; Zaharieva, Dessi P; O'Neal, David N et al. · Diabetes · 2026

case_series · Level IV

Where this comes from

Abstract

The effect of protein ingestion on glucagon and glycemic responses in individuals with type 1 diabetes is not well characterized. This study examined how ingestion of varying amounts of fast-absorbing whey protein (in the absence of other macronutrients) affected glucagon secretion, glucose levels, and associated metabolic hormone levels in adults with type 1 diabetes. Whey protein ingestion stimulated glucagon secretion and endogenous glucose production and increased blood glucose in adults with type 1 diabetes. Our findings highlight the potential of whey protein as a tool to support glycemic management and mitigate hypoglycemia in type 1 diabetes.