Both dietary protein and fat increase postprandial glucose excursions in children with type 1 diabetes, and the effect is additive

Abstract

Objective: To determine the separate and combined effects of high-protein (HP) and high-fat (HF) meals, with the same carbohydrate content, on postprandial glycemia in children using intensive insulin therapy (IIT).

Research design and methods: Thirty-three subjects aged 8-17 years were given 4 test breakfasts with the same carbohydrate amount but varying protein and fat quantities: low fat (LF)/low protein (LP), LF/HP, HF/LP, and HF/HP. LF and HF meals contained 4 g and 35 g fat. LP and HP meals contained 5 g and 40 g protein. An individually standardized insulin dose was given for each meal. Postprandial glycemia was assessed by 5-h continuous glucose monitoring.

Results: Compared with the LF/LP meal, mean glucose excursions were greater from 180 min after the LF/HP meal (2.4 mmol/L [95% CI 1.1-3.7] vs. 0.5 mmol/L [-0.8 to 1.8]; P = 0.02) and from 210 min after the HF/LP meal (1.8 mmol/L [0.3-3.2] vs. -0.5 mmol/L [-1.9 to 0.8]; P = 0.01). The HF/HP meal resulted in higher glucose excursions from 180 min to 300 min (P < 0.04) compared with all other meals. There was a reduction in the risk of hypoglycemia after the HP meals (odds ratio 0.16 [95% CI 0.06-0.41]; P < 0.001).

Conclusions: Meals high in protein or fat increase glucose excursions in youth using IIT from 3 h to 5 h postmeal. Protein and fat have an additive impact on the delayed postprandial glycemic rise. Protein had a protective effect on the development of hypoglycemia.

Figure 1

Mean postprandial glucose excursions from 0 to 300 min for 33 subjects after test meals of LF/LP (●), LF/HP (♦), HF/LP (▲), and HF/HP (□) content. Carbohydrate amount was the same in all meals. There were significant differences in glucose excursions between meal types from 150 to 300 min (P < 0.03). Error bars represent 95% CIs.