Arla Foods Ingredients study finds whey protein supports glycaemic control in gestational diabetes

Consuming whey protein before meals could help women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) control post-meal blood sugar spikes, according to new research.

The study, conducted by Arla Foods Ingredients in collaboration with Aarhus University and the Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus, shows that Lacprodan ISO.WaterShake whey protein isolate may offer a safe and effective nutritional strategy during pregnancy.

GDM occurs when the body cannot produce or use insulin effectively, leading to hyperglycaemia – high blood sugar – which increases risks for both mother and baby. Current management strategies focus on diet, weight control and exercise, but many women struggle to maintain stable glucose levels.

Study findings

The study, published in Diabetes Care, tested the effects of whey protein consumed before meals. In a randomised, placebo-controlled, single-blinded crossover trial, 12 women with GDM and 12 with normal glucose tolerance took either whey protein or a placebo 30 minutes before undergoing a 75g oral glucose tolerance test – the standard diagnostic tool for GDM.

The results showed clear benefits. Pre-meal consumption of 20g of Lacprodan ISO.WaterShake reduced post-meal blood glucose peaks by 1 mmol/L (-18 mg/dl) in women with GDM, and by 0.7 mmol/L (-12.6mg/dl) in those without. Follow-up testing in home environments confirmed that doses of 15–30g consistently lowered post-meal glucose levels and reduced fluctuations in women with GDM.

Lise Høj Brunsgaard, Research Scientist at Arla Foods Ingredients, said:

These findings suggest that whey protein may be a safe, effective and promising nutritional strategy to support blood glucose management in women with GDM.

For this study, our Lacprodan ISO.WaterShake whey protein isolate was selected due to its high purity and rapid absorption profile, which made it suitable for investigating its potential role in maternal nutrition during pregnancy.”

Globally, hyperglycaemia in pregnancy affects almost one in five live births, according to international estimates. Of these cases, more than three-quarters are attributed to GDM. The condition accounts for around 15.6 percent of pregnancies, while type 1, type 2 and other forms of diabetes make up the remainder.

The findings build on previous research linking whey protein to improved glycaemic control in people with type 2 diabetes. Mechanistic studies suggest its effect may stem from enhanced beta-cell function and reduced insulin clearance.

While more studies are needed, the findings highlight an emerging role for functional proteins in maternal health, offering opportunities for targeted pre-meal beverage solutions.