Effect of an Enriched Protein Drink on Muscle Mass and Glycemic Control during Combined Lifestyle Intervention in Older Adults with Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes: A Double-Blind RCT.

Robert G Memelink,Johan De Vogel-Van Den Bosch,Annemieke Van Ginkel,Wim Tromp,Peter J M Weijs,Sjors Verlaan,Anita Tump,Wilrike J Pasman,Anke Bongers,Suzan Wopereis

doi:10.3390/nu13010064

Abstract

Background: Weight loss is key to treatment of older adults with obesity and type 2 diabetes, but also a risk for muscle mass loss. This study investigated whether a whey protein drink enriched with leucine and vitamin D could preserve muscle mass and improve glycemic control during combined lifestyle intervention in this population. Methods: 123 older adults with obesity and type 2 diabetes were randomized into a 13-week lifestyle intervention with dietary advice and exercise, receiving either the enriched protein drink (test) or an isocaloric control (control). Muscle mass was assessed with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and glycemic control by oral glucose tolerance test. Statistical analyses were performed using a linear mixed model. Results: There was a nonsignificant increase in leg muscle mass (+0.28 kg; 95% CI, −0.01 to 0.56) and a significant increase in appendicular muscle mass (+0.36 kg; 95% CI, 0.005 to 0.71) and total lean mass (+0.92 kg; 95% CI, 0.19 to 1.65) in test vs. control. Insulin sensitivity (Matsuda index) also increased in test vs. control (+0.52; 95% CI, 0.07 to 0.97). Conclusions: Use of an enriched protein drink during combined lifestyle intervention shows beneficial effects on muscle mass and glycemic control in older adults with obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Highlights

The presence of type 2 diabetes in older adults with obesity accelerates the loss of muscle mass with ageing [1]
We aim to assess whether a whey protein drink enriched with leucine and vitamin D supports muscle mass preservation and improves glycemic control as part of a lifestyle intervention with hypocaloric diet, resistance exercise, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) in older adults with obesity and type 2 diabetes
Potential participants were excluded if they suffered from any malignant disease during the last five years, if they used insulin, if they had renal or hepatic disease, if they followed any specific diet within three months before screening, if participation in the exercise program was considered unsafe based on exercise ECG and anamnesis by a sports physician, or if there was uncertainty about their ability to fully comply with the study protocol

Summary

Introduction

The presence of type 2 diabetes in older adults with obesity accelerates the loss of muscle mass with ageing [1]. The combination of an energy-restricted, high-protein diet and resistance training (3 times/week) showed greater weight loss and fat mass loss than either intervention alone in type 2 diabetes patients with overweight or obesity [8]. This study investigated whether a whey protein drink enriched with leucine and vitamin D could preserve muscle mass and improve glycemic control during combined lifestyle intervention in this population. Methods: 123 older adults with obesity and type 2 diabetes were randomized into a 13-week lifestyle intervention with dietary advice and exercise, receiving either the enriched protein drink (test) or an isocaloric control (control). Conclusions: Use of an enriched protein drink during combined lifestyle intervention shows beneficial effects on muscle mass and glycemic control in older adults with obesity and type 2 diabetes

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