RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

GLycaemic Outcomes With Whey Protein in ageING

This research wants to find out if taking whey protein before meals can help older people, aged 75 to 90, who have Type 2 Diabetes to better control their blood sugar. Participants will try either a small or moderate amount of whey protein powder, as well as a powder that contains nothing (a 'placebo'). Each powder will be taken for 7 days before meals. Researchers will use special sensors worn on the skin to track blood sugar levels throughout the day. The study hopes to learn if whey protein can make blood sugar levels more stable and prevent them from getting too high after eating, potentially offering a simple way to help manage Type 2 Diabetes.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Birmingham

Enrolment target

Start

01 Dec 2025

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2026

Type 2 Diabetes

What is this study about?

This study is looking into a simple idea: can taking whey protein before meals help older people with Type 2 Diabetes manage their blood sugar better? They want to see if this protein supplement can make blood sugar levels more stable throughout the day and stop them from rising too much after meals. This is important because keeping blood sugar levels steady can help prevent complications of diabetes.

The researchers will compare two different amounts of whey protein with a 'placebo' – which is a harmless powder that looks and tastes the same but has no protein. This is to make sure any effects seen are actually due to the whey protein and not just the act of taking something. Participants will try each of these for a week at a time, taking the powder before their main meals. During these weeks, their blood sugar will be constantly monitored, giving a full picture of how it changes.

They are particularly focusing on older adults, aged 75 to 90, as diabetes management can be different in this age group. Previous research in younger people with Type 2 Diabetes has suggested that whey protein might be helpful, so this study aims to see if the same benefits apply to older individuals. The goal is to see if an easy addition to their diet could make a real difference in managing their diabetes day-to-day.

Key takeaways

Study examines whey protein for blood sugar control in older adults with Type 2 Diabetes.
Participants will try whey protein at two doses and a placebo over 7-day periods.
Blood sugar levels will be continuously monitored using a special sensor.
The study involves 5 visits to the research centre.
Aims to find out if whey protein can stabilise blood sugar and reduce spikes after meals.
Your regular diet will not change, but you'll keep a food diary.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for both men and women aged between 75 and 90 years old who have Type 2 Diabetes. Your diabetes should be generally stable, and your doctor will have confirmed your diagnosis with a blood test. You also need to be a healthy weight for your height and generally well, as assessed by a health questionnaire.

There are a few medical conditions or treatments that would mean you can't join. For example, if you're under 75 or over 90, if you use fast-acting insulin or certain other diabetes medications (like GLP-1 therapy), or if your diabetes is very poorly controlled. You also can't take part if you smoke or vape regularly, are vegan, have allergies to dairy or gluten, or have certain stomach problems.

Additionally, you shouldn't have had a recent stroke, or be taking blood-thinning medication. The researchers will also check your kidney function with urine and blood tests to make sure it's within a safe range for the study. You'll need to be willing and able to come to the study centre five times.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 75 and 90 years old?
Do you have Type 2 Diabetes?
Are you a non-smoker/non-vaper?
Do you have any dairy or gluten allergies?
Are you currently taking fast-acting insulin or GLP-1 diabetes medication?
Can you attend 5 appointments at the research centre?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join the study, you will need to visit the research centre a total of five times. The first visit is an introduction where they will check if you are suitable for the study. There will then be two 'testing' visits and two follow-up check-up visits.

The study involves three separate 7-day periods where you will take a powder before each main meal. For one of these 7-day periods, you will take a 'placebo' powder (which contains no protein). For the other two 7-day periods, you will take whey protein, but at different doses (one lower dose, one moderate dose). The order in which you take these powders will be decided randomly.

During each of these 7-day periods, you will wear a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) to track your blood sugar levels around the clock. You'll also be asked to keep a diary of what you eat and drink, and to note when you take the study powder. At the start of each of the 7-day periods, you will spend some time in a research kitchen. Here, you'll take the powder and eat a controlled meal, and the researchers will take blood samples to measure your sugar, insulin, and hunger hormones, and ask about your appetite. After each 7-day period, you will also provide a urine sample.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in a study like this might offer a better understanding of how your body responds to whey protein, and you'll receive careful monitoring of your blood sugar levels. You'll be helping to advance knowledge about managing Type 2 Diabetes, which could benefit many people in the future. Potential risks are generally low, but might include discomfort from wearing the blood sugar monitor or from giving blood samples. There could also be mild stomach upset from the protein, though this is usually rare. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (2)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham
Verified postcode
Birmingham, United Kingdom· Enrolling by invitation
Heartlands Hospital
Verified postcode
Birmingham, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is whey protein?

Whey protein is a natural protein found in milk, often used as a supplement by athletes, but this study looks at its potential benefits for blood sugar control.

What is a 'placebo'?

A placebo is a substance that looks and feels like the real treatment but contains no active ingredients. It's used to compare against the real treatment.

How will my blood sugar be measured?

You'll wear a small sensor device called a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) on your skin, which measures your blood sugar levels automatically throughout the day and night.

Will I have to change my diet?

No, you will be asked to eat your usual diet. You'll just need to keep a food diary during the study periods.

How many times do I need to visit the study centre?

You will need to visit the study centre five times in total for screening, testing, and follow-up.

How to find out more

Leigh Breen, PhD

l.breen@bham.ac.uk (0)1214144109 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.