Whey protein supplements improve blood sugar regulation

Eating food with simple carbohydrates causes major changes in blood sugar and insulin. Food with a high glycemic index (rich in simple sugars) rapidly increases blood sugar, which triggers the release of insulin. Insulin binds to the cell receptors, which act like a lock and key to allow sugar into the cell.
The blood sugar control system doesn't work very well in people with type 2 diabetes, which can cause a host of health problems known as metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome includes high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels, blood clotting abnormalities and abdominal fat deposition. Swedish scientists found that supplementing with whey protein during breakfast or lunch resulted in less blood sugar fluctuation throughout the day. The liver can convert amino acids from proteins into blood sugar, a chemical process known as gluconeogenesis. This process uses amino acids, which act like blood sugar time capsules, to prevent hunger pangs and maintain steady blood sugar levels.

(Am J Clin Nutr,82: 69-75, 2005)