Researchers in India tested whether a diabetes-specific protein supplement could help people with type 2 diabetes better control their blood sugar levels after eating breakfast. Forty-two adults with type 2 diabetes tried two different breakfasts on separate weeks: one with a special protein drink mixed with a smaller portion of traditional Indian breakfast food, and another with just the regular breakfast. The protein supplement version reduced blood sugar spikes by 59% and peak glucose levels by 46%. The supplement was easy to use, tasted good, and didn’t cause any stomach problems. This suggests that adding a protein supplement to breakfast could be a simple, practical way for people with diabetes to keep their blood sugar more stable throughout the day.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Does adding a diabetes-specific protein supplement to breakfast help people with type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar better?
  • Who participated: 42 adults living in India who have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. The study had participants try two different breakfast options on separate weeks to compare the results.
  • Key finding: When people added the protein supplement to their breakfast, their blood sugar rise after eating was 59% lower, and their peak blood sugar level was 46% lower compared to eating breakfast without the supplement. The supplement also helped people eat more protein overall.
  • What it means for you: If you have type 2 diabetes, adding a protein supplement to your breakfast might help keep your blood sugar from spiking as much after you eat. This could be an easy addition to your daily routine, though you should talk to your doctor before making any changes to your diet.

The Research Details

This was a carefully designed study where 42 people with type 2 diabetes tried two different breakfast options on separate weeks. The researchers randomly decided which breakfast each person would eat first. On the first day of each week, researchers measured blood sugar and insulin levels at multiple time points after breakfast—right before eating, then at 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 minutes after the meal. This allowed them to see exactly how each breakfast affected blood sugar over a three-hour period.

The test breakfast included a diabetes-specific protein supplement mixed with milk, plus a smaller portion of a traditional Indian breakfast food (either upma or poha). The control breakfast was just the regular-sized portion of the same Indian breakfast food with the same total calories. Between the two weeks, there was a three-day break to make sure the first breakfast didn’t affect the second test.

During the week of each breakfast, participants also wore a continuous glucose monitor—a small device that tracks blood sugar levels throughout the day—and kept food diaries so researchers could see what they were eating and how their blood sugar varied naturally at home.

This study design is important because it lets researchers see exactly how the protein supplement affects blood sugar in a controlled way, while also showing how it works in real life when people eat at home. By having each person try both breakfasts, the researchers could compare results fairly, since everyone’s body responds differently to food.

This study was well-designed with several strengths: it was registered with official clinical trial registries before it started, it used objective measurements like continuous glucose monitors rather than just asking people to remember their symptoms, and it included enough participants to see clear patterns. The study was open-label, meaning participants knew which breakfast they were eating, which is fine for this type of nutrition research. The researchers measured multiple markers of blood sugar control, not just one, which gives a more complete picture. No participants dropped out or reported side effects, suggesting the supplement was well-tolerated.

What the Results Show

The main finding was dramatic: when people ate the breakfast with the protein supplement, their blood sugar rise after eating was 59% lower than when they ate the regular breakfast. This was measured by looking at the total area under the blood sugar curve over three hours—essentially, how much their blood sugar went up and stayed up. The peak blood sugar level (the highest point) was 46% lower with the protein supplement.

Interestingly, the insulin response—the amount of insulin their body released—was similar for both breakfasts. This is actually good news because it suggests the protein supplement helps control blood sugar without forcing the pancreas to work much harder.

When people used the supplement at home during the week, they naturally ate about 8.8 grams more protein per day, which is helpful for overall nutrition. The continuous glucose monitors showed that blood sugar was more stable throughout the day with the supplement—meaning fewer big ups and downs, which is what doctors want to see.

All 42 participants completed the study, and nobody reported stomach problems or other side effects. People said the supplement tasted good and was easy to use.

Beyond the main blood sugar findings, the research showed that the protein supplement helped people achieve better macronutrient balance in their diet. Macronutrients are the big categories of food—protein, carbohydrates, and fats—and getting the right balance is important for diabetes management. The supplement also reduced glycemic variability, which means blood sugar stayed more stable rather than swinging wildly up and down. This stability is important because constant blood sugar swings can be hard on the body over time.

Previous research has shown that adding protein to meals can help slow down how quickly carbohydrates are absorbed, which reduces blood sugar spikes. This study confirms that finding in a real-world setting with Indian foods and a specific diabetes product. The 59% reduction in blood sugar rise is substantial and aligns with what nutrition science predicts about protein’s effects on digestion.

While this study is well-designed, there are some things to keep in mind: it only included 42 people, all in India, so results might be different in other countries or populations. The study only looked at breakfast, so we don’t know if the supplement would work as well with lunch or dinner. The study lasted only one week for each breakfast option, so we don’t know if the benefits continue over months or years. The supplement costs money, which might not be affordable for everyone. Finally, this study tested one specific brand of protein supplement, so other brands might work differently.

The Bottom Line

If you have type 2 diabetes, a diabetes-specific protein supplement mixed with milk as part of your breakfast appears to be a safe and effective way to reduce blood sugar spikes. The evidence from this study is fairly strong (moderate confidence level) for this specific approach. However, this should not replace your regular diabetes medications or medical care. Talk to your doctor or a dietitian before adding any supplement to your routine, especially if you take insulin or other diabetes medications, since better blood sugar control might require adjusting your doses.

This research is most relevant for adults with type 2 diabetes who eat traditional Indian breakfasts or similar high-carbohydrate breakfast foods. It may also be helpful for anyone with type 2 diabetes looking for practical ways to control blood sugar at breakfast time. People with type 1 diabetes, pregnant women with gestational diabetes, or those with kidney disease should talk to their doctor before using protein supplements. This research is less relevant for people without diabetes.

Based on this study, you could expect to see improvements in blood sugar control within the first day of using the supplement—the measurements showed differences after just one breakfast. However, the full benefits for overall blood sugar stability (shown by the continuous glucose monitor) took about a week to become clear. For long-term benefits like improved A1C levels (a measure of average blood sugar over three months), you would likely need to use the supplement consistently for several weeks to months.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track your blood sugar readings (if you test at home) or continuous glucose monitor data for 30, 60, and 120 minutes after breakfast on days with and without the protein supplement. Record the specific breakfast foods eaten and note the peak blood sugar level and how quickly it returned to baseline. This personal tracking will show you whether the supplement works for your individual body.
  • Start by replacing your regular breakfast one day per week with the protein supplement mixed in milk plus a smaller portion of your usual breakfast food. Keep the total calories similar to your normal breakfast. After a few days, if you tolerate it well, increase to two or three days per week. Use the app to log which days you use the supplement and rate how you felt (energy level, hunger, satisfaction) to find the best routine for you.
  • Set up weekly reminders to review your average blood sugar readings and note any patterns. Compare weeks when you use the supplement regularly versus weeks without it. Track your energy levels, hunger between meals, and any digestive symptoms. After four weeks, review whether your overall blood sugar control has improved and whether the supplement fits into your lifestyle. Share this data with your doctor at your next appointment to discuss whether continuing is right for you.

This research describes the effects of a specific diabetes-specific protein supplement on blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. These findings should not be used to replace medical advice from your doctor or diabetes care team. Before adding any supplement to your diet, especially if you take diabetes medications like insulin or other blood sugar-lowering drugs, consult with your healthcare provider, as improved blood sugar control may require adjusting your medication doses. This study was conducted in India and results may vary based on individual factors, other foods eaten, medications, and overall health status. Always work with your healthcare team to make changes to your diabetes management plan.