Postprandial hyperglycemia remains a challenge in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who consume high-glycemic index breakfast foods. In Diabetes Therapy, a randomized, controlled, open-label crossover study evaluated whether partial replacement of a traditional Indian breakfast with a diabetes-specific protein supplement improves postprandial glycemic response in people with T2DM.

The study enrolled 42 adults with T2DM. Participants consumed either a test breakfast consisting of a diabetes-specific protein supplement mixed with milk plus a reduced portion of a common cereal-based breakfast, or an isocaloric control breakfast alone. Each intervention lasted 5 days, with a 3-day washout period. Postprandial glucose and insulin were measured on day 1 at baseline and up to 180 minutes after breakfast to calculate incremental area under the curve from 0 to 3 hours (iAUC0–3h) and delta peak concentration (ΔCmax). During in-home use, dietary intake was assessed using recalls, and glycemic variability (GV) was measured using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM).

Postprandial glucose iAUC0-3h and ΔCmax were 59% and 46% lower with the test breakfast compared with the control breakfast. Insulin iAUC0–3h and ΔCmax did not differ significantly between interventions. During the test period, protein intake increased by 8.8 g. Mean amplitude of glycemic excursions (MAGE) was significantly lower. No gastrointestinal or adverse events were reported, and acceptability was high.

These findings show that partial breakfast replacement with a diabetes-specific protein supplement improved postprandial glucose control and reduced glycemic variability in people with T2DM.