Protein and blood sugar?

BeckyAnne4
BeckyAnne4 Posts: 143 Member
I've seen quite a few posts recently across the boards that mention protein and a potential to raise blood sugar. Who out there has some knowlege they can lay on me? I'm currently trying to lower my A1C, and I go over on my protein (by quite a bit) pretty much daily, so I just want to know if I am shooting myself in the foot.

Replies

  • jessiekanga
    jessiekanga Posts: 564 Member
    You'll likely get some pretty varied responses on this one, and the truth is we're not all the same, so I think what works for you may be different than what works for me. I aim for 30% protein, which is a lot higher than most, but really works for me. I do train/exercise about 60 minutes a day, which is also part of why I'm so comfortable with my level of protein. My sugar is in pretty great control, so for me, it's working. Good luck to you!
  • kcaffee1
    kcaffee1 Posts: 759 Member
    bump for further replies. I have been shooting for a high protein count myself, and just was informed I may be over doing it. Interested to see the replies and reasoning.
  • jsiricos
    jsiricos Posts: 340 Member
    I don't worry about my protein, but then again, I'm struggling to eat up to my calories every day (never hungry)

    I was always told make sure you was your hands well before you stab your fingers because of the protein that can be on your fingers, which would give a false reading (Mums a nurse)
  • BigGuy47
    BigGuy47 Posts: 1,768 Member
    I do train/exercise about 60 minutes a day, which is also part of why I'm so comfortable with my level of protein. My sugar is in pretty great control, so for me, it's working.
    I'm in the same spot here. I consume a ton of protein and I haven't noticed issues with my fasting blood sugar.
  • kcaffee1
    kcaffee1 Posts: 759 Member
    Just a brief blip on this, though I'm not sure if it was the carbs or the protein counts that caused it, but after a heavy protein day, heavy exercise, and more carbs than I realized, my numbers were VERY high this morning, and spiked worse than usual after breakfast.
  • Crochetluvr
    Crochetluvr Posts: 3,284 Member
    Tonight I had a bag of steamed clams.....88g of protein...and 2 c. of spinach with 3g. So that's 91g of protein in one meal....only 3g of carbs in the whole meal. I tested my BS 2 hours later and I got a reading of 77! So, in my case, at least, protein does not raise my BS. And its a good piece of information to have.
  • BigG59
    BigG59 Posts: 396 Member
    During digestion protein becomes amino acids which are used to build the muscles. An excess of protein, may be converted to glucose. However the text books I have read never seem to define what "an excess of protein" is.
  • Aussielooser
    Aussielooser Posts: 139 Member
    I have never had a problem with protein and my type 2
  • LauraDotts
    LauraDotts Posts: 732 Member
    Yes, excess protein can raise your blood sugar some or keep them from leveling out. However, I took a look at your diary, you probably need to lower your carb intake before you start worrying about how much protein you are eating. Lowering carbohydrate intake is the number one factor in controlling diabetes and getting those numbers down. Secondary is keeping protein at a moderate amount - enough for your body's need but not too great an excess - and, increasing fat. Fat slows down sugar absorption, helps to regulate blood sugar (keeps it more even) and keeps you satisfied longer.
  • momjmd
    momjmd Posts: 296 Member
    I eat a pretty high protein diet (40% -50% protein usually) and it has helped my BS go down. The only number I have issues with right now are my fasting BS in the a.m. (usually between 110-130). After meals, mine are usually in the normal range.
  • FrogFaerie
    FrogFaerie Posts: 11
    I am still learning as well. I have had problems not with too much protein, as much as not enough of everything else. I was eating all protein for breakfasts and couldn't figure out why my sugar was high 2 hours later. To me 0 carb=lower sugar. I was wrong. I have been adding fat and carbs in the form of veggies to my eggs and my sugars are lower. Except, and correct me if I am wrong here, I have noticed that, as a woman, my levels are higher the week before my cycle and that my body reacts differently to the same foods during this week. Just another bonus to add to the emotional rollercoaster. Just my personal observation.
  • MissJJ74
    MissJJ74 Posts: 111 Member
    I am still learning as well. I have had problems not with too much protein, as much as not enough of everything else. I was eating all protein for breakfasts and couldn't figure out why my sugar was high 2 hours later. To me 0 carb=lower sugar. I was wrong. I have been adding fat and carbs in the form of veggies to my eggs and my sugars are lower. Except, and correct me if I am wrong here, I have noticed that, as a woman, my levels are higher the week before my cycle and that my body reacts differently to the same foods during this week. Just another bonus to add to the emotional rollercoaster. Just my personal observation.

    Yup, my numbers get higher right before my cycle as well. I'm normally in the 95-100 range and the week before I shoot up to 120-135. You're not alone in that hormonal imbalances will throw off blood sugar numbers.

    As for protein, I'm at 30% and have not noticed a difference. However I also work out about 4 days a week, so I need to have a higher intake.