New findings from the University of Alabama at Birmingham indicate that the type of protein in the diet is not as important as the overall amount of weight loss for those with Type 2 diabetes., 106 adults with T2D were randomly assigned to either the high-protein or normal-protein diet for 52 weeks. Both diets were energy-restricted.
In the multi-site, randomized controlled trial, 71 study participants followed a higher-protein diet with four or more 4- to 6-ounce servings of lean beef per week or a normal-protein diet with no red meat, for 52 weeks. The high-protein diet was composed of 40 percent protein, 32 percent carbohydrate and 28 percent fat of total energy -- while the normal-protein diet was composed of 21 percent protein, 53 percent carbohydrate and 26 percent fat of total energy .
The study was funded by the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, which was not involved in the study design, interpretation or publication.Both a high-protein diet that includes red meat and a normal-protein diet without red meat are effective for weight loss and improving blood sugar control.