A clinical trial has found that consuming whey protein before meals can reduce post-meal blood sugar spikes in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The study, conducted by Aarhus University and the Steno Diabetes Center in partnership with Arla Foods Ingredients, was published in Diabetes Care.
The randomised, placebo-controlled crossover trial involved 24 pregnant women, half with GDM and half with normal glucose tolerance. Each consumed either 20 grams of Lacprodan® ISO.WaterShake whey protein isolate or a placebo 30 minutes before a 75-gram oral glucose tolerance test. Results showed a reduction in post-meal blood glucose peaks of -1 mmol/L (-18 mg/dl) in participants with GDM and -0.7 mmol/L (-12.6 mg/dl) in those without.
Further home-based testing, with doses ranging from 15 to 30 grams before meals, confirmed a consistent lowering of post-meal glucose levels and reduced fluctuations in women with GDM. According to Arla Foods Ingredients, the product’s high purity and rapid absorption profile made it a suitable candidate for maternal nutrition research.
“These findings suggest that whey protein may be a safe, effective and promising nutritional strategy to support blood glucose management in women with GDM,” said Lise Høj Brunsgaard, Research Scientist at Arla Foods Ingredients.
Hyperglycaemia in pregnancy is a widespread issue, with the International Diabetes Federation estimating it affects 19.6% of live births globally. Of these, 79.2% are attributable to GDM, equivalent to 15.6% of all cases. GDM management typically relies on diet, weight management, and moderate exercise, though nutritional strategies are gaining increasing interest as adjunct therapies.
The study builds on existing evidence of whey protein’s role in glycaemic control for type 2 diabetes, where benefits have been linked to enhanced beta-cell function and reduced insulin clearance. The findings point to a potential expansion of whey protein applications in maternal health — a market under growing regulatory and nutritional scrutiny.
Arla Foods Ingredients has not yet confirmed any commercial rollout plans based on the findings. However, the company has highlighted the potential for whey protein supplements to become part of standard maternal nutrition regimes, provided further validation in larger trials.
