The global obesity epidemic is driving a marked increase in the incidence of type 2 diabetes, and some experts estimate that by 2024, more than 780 million adults worldwide will develop the disease. A recent study found that high-protein, low-calorie diets promote weight loss and improve cardiometabolic markers in people at risk for type 2 diabetes.

The study involved 117 adults with either prediabetes or type 2 diabetes and a body mass index (BMI) over 27.5—considered overweight or obese. Participants consumed an animal- or plant-based high-protein diet that provided 35% of their total calories for six months. The remainder of their calories came from fat (30%) and carbohydrates (35%).

Participants in both groups saw similar improvements in body composition, including an average weight loss of approximately 8 kilograms (~18 pounds) and reduced visceral (abdominal) fat. Glucose metabolism indicators, such as fasting glucose and glycated hemoglobin levels, improved equally in both groups, as did lipid levels, liver enzymes, and inflammatory markers.

These findings suggest that high-protein, low-calorie diets—whether animal- or plant-based—can improve body composition, glucose metabolism, and other cardiometabolic markers in people with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes.

Dietary protein supports muscle hypertrophy and maintenance—critical aspects of glucose metabolism. Learn how to optimize protein intake to support muscle health when following a plant-based diet in this clip featuring Dr. Luc van Loon.