Effects of low doses of casein hydrolysate on post-challenge glucose and insulin levels

BackgroundIngestion of high doses of casein hydrolysate stimulates insulin secretion in healthy subjects and patients with type 2 diabetes. The effects of low doses have not been studied. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of lower doses of a casein hydrolysate on the glucose and insulin responses to an oral glucose tolerance test in patients with type 2 diabetes.MethodsIn this randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study, thirteen patients with type 2 diabetes (age: 58 ± 1 years) were studied.Glucose, insulin and C-peptide responses were determined after the oral administration of 0 (control), 6 or 12 g protein hydrolysate in combination with 50 g carbohydrate.ResultsTwelve grams of casein hydrolysate, but not 6 g, elevated insulin levels and decreased glucose levels post-challenge. These changes over time were not large enough to also affect the total area under the curve of glucose and insulin. C-peptide levels did not change after both treatments.ConclusionIngestion of six grams of casein hydrolysate did not affect glucose or insulin responses. Intake of 12 g of casein hydrolysate has a small positive effect on post-challenge insulin and glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.