Metabolic Response of Diabetics to High-Protein Diet Frank Q. Nuttall, M.D., Ph.D. and Mary C. Gannon, Ph. D. (University of Minnesota). One of the major interests in our laboratory has been to develop a scientific framework for dietary advice for patients with diabetes. Knowledge regarding the metabolic consequences and potential effects on health of protein in people with type 2 diabetes has been a particular interest. We and others, in single meal studies, have reported that dietary protein strongly stimulates insulin secretion and either does not raise the blood glucose concentration or may result in a decrease. We recently have completed a study in which dietary protein was increased from 15% to 30% of total food energy. The carbohydrate content was decreased from 55% to 40%, i.e. dietary protein replaced part of the carbohydrate. This resulted in a significant decrease in total glycohemoglobin, a decrease in postprandial glucose concentrations and a modest increase in insulin concentration. There was no change in renal function. Currently we also are determining the metabolic response to a diet in which the carbohydrate content is further decreased to 20% of total food energy.