Researchers tested whether a special high-protein drink designed for people with blood sugar problems could help keep their blood sugar levels more stable after eating. Fifteen people with prediabetes (a condition where blood sugar is higher than normal but not yet diabetic) tried two different drinks on separate visits. The special high-protein drink reduced blood sugar spikes by about 73% compared to a regular nutritional drink. Interestingly, the body didn’t have to produce extra insulin to achieve this improvement. This suggests that the special drink could be a helpful tool for people trying to prevent diabetes from developing.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a special high-protein drink made for people with blood sugar concerns could help prevent blood sugar spikes after meals better than a regular nutritional drink
  • Who participated: 15 people who had prediabetes (blood sugar levels that are higher than normal but not yet in the diabetic range)
  • Key finding: The special high-protein drink reduced blood sugar spikes by 73% compared to the regular drink, and this happened without the body needing to produce more insulin
  • What it means for you: If you have prediabetes, this special drink might help you manage your blood sugar more effectively. However, this is early research with a small group, so talk to your doctor before making changes to your diet or nutrition plan

The Research Details

This was a small clinical trial where researchers tested two different nutritional drinks on the same group of people. Each person visited the clinic twice—once to try the special high-protein diabetes drink and once to try a regular nutritional drink. The researchers measured blood sugar levels and insulin levels after each drink to see which one worked better at keeping blood sugar stable. This type of study, called a crossover trial, is useful because it lets researchers compare how the same person responds to different treatments.

Testing the same people with both drinks eliminates differences between individuals that could confuse the results. By measuring blood sugar and insulin at specific times after drinking, the researchers could see exactly how each drink affected the body’s ability to control blood sugar. This careful measurement approach helps ensure the findings are reliable.

The study was small (only 15 people), which means the results should be considered preliminary. The researchers used a well-established method to measure blood sugar control, and the differences they found were statistically significant (very unlikely to be due to chance). However, because the study was open-label (everyone knew which drink they were getting), there’s a possibility that expectations could have influenced results. Larger studies with more people would strengthen these findings.

What the Results Show

The special high-protein drink produced dramatically better results than the regular drink. When people drank the special formula, their blood sugar levels after eating rose much less than when they drank the regular formula—a 73% reduction in the overall blood sugar spike. This is a very large difference and was highly unlikely to happen by chance. The special drink also reduced the amount of a hormone called c-peptide (which indicates how hard the pancreas is working) by 36%, suggesting the body didn’t have to work as hard to control blood sugar.

Interestingly, the amount of insulin in the blood didn’t change significantly between the two drinks. This is actually good news because it suggests the special drink helps control blood sugar through a different mechanism—possibly by slowing how quickly food is absorbed or by improving how the body uses insulin—rather than forcing the pancreas to make more insulin.

Previous research has shown that high-protein diets can help with blood sugar control, but this is one of the first studies to test a specific high-protein drink formula designed for people with prediabetes. The results align with what scientists expected based on earlier research about protein and blood sugar management.

The study only included 15 people, which is a small number. A larger study would give more confidence in the results. The study didn’t follow people over a long period, so we don’t know if these benefits would continue if someone drank this formula regularly for weeks or months. Additionally, we don’t know if the results would be the same for different groups of people (different ages, ethnicities, or body types). The study was also open-label, meaning everyone knew which drink they were getting, which could potentially influence how their body responds.

The Bottom Line

If you have prediabetes, this research suggests that a high-protein diabetes-specific drink might help you manage blood sugar spikes after meals. However, this is early-stage research, so consider it as one tool among many. Talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian before adding this drink to your routine. They can help you decide if it’s right for your situation and how to use it as part of an overall plan to prevent diabetes. Moderate confidence in these findings due to the small study size.

People with prediabetes who are looking for practical ways to manage their blood sugar should pay attention to this research. People with type 2 diabetes might also find it relevant, though this study specifically tested prediabetes. People without blood sugar concerns don’t need to change their habits based on this single study. Pregnant women, people with kidney disease, or those on specific medications should consult their doctor before trying high-protein supplements.

Based on this study, the blood sugar benefits appeared immediately after drinking the special formula. However, to see long-term benefits in preventing diabetes, you would likely need to use this drink consistently over weeks and months as part of an overall healthy lifestyle that includes regular physical activity and balanced meals.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • If using this drink, track your blood sugar readings (if you have a monitor) before and 2 hours after consuming the drink, noting the time and any meals eaten. Record which drink you used and how you felt. This personal data will help you and your doctor see if it’s working for your specific situation.
  • Start by replacing one regular snack or meal with the high-protein diabetes-specific drink and track how it affects your energy levels and hunger throughout the day. Gradually increase use if you notice positive effects, but always under guidance from your healthcare provider.
  • Check your blood sugar levels weekly at the same time of day (if you have access to testing) to see if the drink is helping over time. Also monitor how you feel—energy levels, hunger, and cravings. Every 4 weeks, review your tracking data with your doctor to determine if the drink is helping you move toward better blood sugar control.

This research is preliminary and based on a small study of 15 people. The findings suggest potential benefits but are not yet definitive. If you have prediabetes or diabetes, consult with your doctor or registered dietitian before making any changes to your diet, including adding nutritional supplements. This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Individual results may vary, and what works for one person may not work for another. Always discuss new dietary approaches with your healthcare provider, especially if you take medications that affect blood sugar or have other health conditions.