HIGH-PROTEIN diets, whether based on mycoprotein-rich vegan or omnivorous sources, improve glycaemic control by enhancing peripheral insulin sensitivity in individuals with Type 2 diabetes (T2D).
High-protein diets have been proposed as a strategy for managing T2D. Mycoprotein, a high-fibre, high-protein ingredient, has previously been shown to improve short-term blood glucose regulation. This study investigated whether a mycoprotein-rich vegan diet could offer superior glycaemic benefits compared to an isonitrogenous omnivorous diet in individuals with T2D.
Seventeen adults with T2D (mean age 58.3 years, BMI 32.9 kg/m², HbA1c 60 mmol/mol) were randomised to follow a 5-week eucaloric high-protein diet, either omnivorous (70% protein from animal sources) or vegan (50% protein from mycoprotein). Glycaemic control was assessed through hyperinsulinaemic-euglycaemic clamps, mixed-meal tolerance tests, and continuous glucose monitoring. Both diet groups showed significant improvements in peripheral insulin sensitivity (p=0.006), with increased glucose disposal rates of 1.0±0.6 and 1.0±0.3 mg/kg/min for the omnivorous and vegan groups, respectively. HbA1c levels also improved (p=0.001), and glycaemic variability decreased (p=0.040), with an increase in time-in-range of 11.8±9.3% in the omnivorous group and 23.3±12.9% in the vegan group. However, neither diet improved hepatic insulin sensitivity nor postprandial blood glucose response (p>0.05).
These findings suggest that high-protein diets can enhance glycaemic control in T2D by improving peripheral insulin sensitivity, irrespective of protein source. While a mycoprotein-based vegan diet showed slightly greater reductions in glycaemic variability, both diets were effective. Future research should explore the long-term sustainability and broader metabolic effects of these dietary strategies in clinical practice.
Katheeja Imani, EMJ
Reference
Whelehan G et al. High-protein vegan and omnivorous diets improve peripheral insulin sensitivity to a similar extent in people with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2025;27(3):1143-52.
