A client told a doctor that she always adds protein every time she made her nighttime snack to prevent hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, during the night. It is a common belief for a lot people who have diabetes. The problem is…it isn’t correct. Let’s break it down so that you can better understand the issue of hypoglycemia and protein.
Protein Digestion
It is true that ingested protein does not increase blood glucose levels; the same with carbohydrates can do, it stimulates insulin secretion.
What happens if protein causes more insulin to be released which causes lower glucose levels. To confirm this, the ‘American Diabetes (–foul word(s) removed–)ociation’ cautions, “Ingested protein can increase insulin response but never increase plasma glucose concentrations. Therefore, it is not advised to use protein in treating acute or preventing nighttime hypoglycemia.”
Nighttime Snacks
Nighttime snack is not required for most people. However, many diabetic people feel they need to eat a nighttime snack. If the level of your glucose getting lower <100mg/dL, you need snack before bed.
In the case that your glucose continues lowering at night, make sure to consult your doctor about your diabetes medications and meal plan.
Planning you meal is a key because if you have diabetes you have to monitor your body weight. Taking frequent snacks at night increases calorie intake and over time it will lead to gain weight. When weight increases, so does blood glucose.
So, in summary, what about the nighttime snacks with protein? It is okay to include protein in a snack but don’t plan on it to prevent hypoglycemia.
