Emerging clinical evidence from Arla Foods Ingredients, in collaboration with Aarhus University and the Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus, suggests that pre-meal consumption of Lacprodan ISO.WaterShake whey protein isolate may support blood glucose management in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).
GDM is characterised by impaired insulin production or utilisation during pregnancy, leading to elevated blood glucose levels (hyperglycaemia) and increased risk of adverse outcomes for both mother and child. Current management protocols typically include dietary intervention, weight control, and moderate physical activity.
Published in Diabetes Care, the randomised, placebo-controlled, single-blinded crossover trial evaluated the glycaemic impact of Lacprodan ISO.WaterShake when consumed 30 minutes prior to a 75g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). The study cohort included 12 women diagnosed with GDM and 12 with normal glucose tolerance.
Key findings:
- A 20g dose of Lacprodan ISO.WaterShake reduced postprandial glucose peaks by 1 mmol/L (18 mg/dl) in the GDM group.
- In normoglycaemic participants, the reduction was 0.7 mmol/L (12.6 mg/dl).
- In home-use scenarios, doses ranging from 15–30g consistently lowered post-meal glucose excursions and reduced glycaemic variability in women with GDM.
According to Lise Høj Brunsgaard, research scientist at Arla Foods Ingredients, the whey protein isolate was selected for its high purity and rapid absorption profile, making it well-suited for maternal nutrition applications. “These findings suggest that whey protein may be a safe, effective and promising nutritional strategy to support blood glucose management in women with GDM,” she noted.
Globally, hyperglycaemia in pregnancy affects an estimated 19.6% of live births, with GDM accounting for 15.6% of cases. The study builds on prior research into whey protein’s role in glycaemic control for type 2 diabetes, where mechanisms such as enhanced beta-cell function and reduced insulin clearance have been observed.
For formulators and clinical nutrition teams, these insights may inform the development of targeted nutritional solutions for maternal health — particularly in functional beverage formats designed for pre-meal consumption.