Low-protein/high-fat diet induces partial remission of type 2 diabetes

Einleitung Protein restriction (PR) improves insulin sensitivity and prevents onset of type 2 diabetes in diabetes-susceptible New Zealand Obese (NZO) mice by increasing circulating fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) levels. This study aimed to test whether PR can normalize blood glucose (BG) levels in hyperglycemic NZO mice.

Methoden Male NZO mice were placed on a high-fat diet (CON; 16 kcal% protein) until the age of 7 weeks. Subsequently, mice were divided into two groups and placed on either CON or low-protein/high-fat diet (LP/HF; 4 kcal% protein) for 4 weeks.

Ergebnisse PR induced a remission of hyperglycemia only when BG was < 16.6 mM at 7 weeks of age (55%), whereas 45% of PR-treated mice increased BG levels. However, CON-fed mice with BG < 16.6 mM at 7 weeks of age showed rising BG levels. Plasma FGF21 levels were increased in all LP/HF. Neither body weight nor lean or fat mass are predictive markers for the success of remission. Mice with reversed hyperglycemia showed the lowest liver glycogen content and highest plasma adiponectin and pancreatic insulin levels, parameters which could play a significant role for the success of PR.

Schlussfolgerung PR has only beneficial effects when hyperglycemia is not too advanced, and the success of this intervention is independent of FGF21.

Publication History

Article published online:
04 September 2020