Protein: A Friendly Macronutrient
Protein is useful in type 2 diabetes for three reasons: it increases satiety, helps preserve lean mass during weight loss, and has minimal effect on blood glucose. A common target is 1.2–1.6 g/kg of body weight per day — higher than the general minimum.
How to Use It
- Anchor each meal with a protein source (eggs, fish, poultry, tofu, legumes, dairy).
- Spread intake across meals to support muscle synthesis.
- Combine with the carb distribution from type 2 carb counting.
Check your target with the Protein Intake Calculator and the Type 2 Diabetes Calorie Calculator. See the Diabetes hub.
Educational only. If you have kidney disease (a diabetes complication), protein needs may differ — discuss with your clinician.