Protein Raising Blood Sugar - Diabetes Message Board

DB1973 · 06-16-2005, 01:27 PM

From what I understand protein sources are supposed to be good for a diabetic and that they don't raise blood sugar. Today, I ate a turkey sandwich for lunch. Two hours later, my blood sugar was 145. I have been averaging around 115.

Looking back, I have noticed that several of the higher readings involved eating a turkey sandwich. I don't think bread is an issue here. The same bread used as toast with eggs didn't cause a spike in blood pressure, nor did a roast beef sandwich with the same bread.

Is it the turkey? Some combination of foods? I am perplexed.

Joopy · 06-16-2005, 02:35 PM

sometimes protein, if enough of it is eaten, will cause a rise in bg. I have noticed that some turkey has carbs in it .... like the honey smoked turkey and some kinds of smoked turkey.

debemak · 06-16-2005, 03:49 PM

Some diabetics have to dose for protein, the same way they have to dose for carbs. It's very individual. Anything you put in your mouth will affect your blood sugar. Type 1's are more affected than Type 2's. I find that if I take L-Arginine with my meals, it keeps the protein rise down. Dr. Richard Bernstein talks about protein affecting blood glucose in his book, "The Diabetes Solution." I highly recommend it.

Deb

Mark Munday · 06-17-2005, 02:32 AM

About 40% of protein is eventually converted into glucose. But it takes a long time, like 3-5 hours. And fat doesn't increase blood sugar at all. But both protein and fat lengthen the time taken for carbohydrates eaten at the same time to increase the blood sugar.

A piece of bread on its own would cause an increase in blood sugar one hour after eating. And after two hours, the blood sugar level would be coming down again. But if you eat the bread with turkey (protein and fat), the blood sugar level may only peak after 2 hours.

The more fat there is in the meal, the longer it will take for carbs to increase the blood sugar level.

Cheers,

Mark

DB1973 · 06-17-2005, 08:34 AM

Thanks Mark, I think that what you have said may be the key. Deb, I got the impression that the book was geared more towards Type I diabetics. Am I mistaken? Joopy, I will have to take a closer look at the type of turkey I have eaten.