ABSTRACT
Numerous studies have attempted to address the impact of dietary patterns on the development of type 2 diabetes in humans, but these studies are very heterogeneous in design and are thus difficult to compare. The general public and the scientific community have suggested dietary choices for patients with diabetes based on the concept that lowering fat intake is crucial to achieving health benefits. The debate regarding specific guidelines for the optimal intake of carbohydrate, dietary fat, and protein in the diet of patients with obesity and abnormal glucose metabolism will undoubtedly continue. Although there is considerable controversy regarding the relative importance of the quantity or the quality of a particular dietary macronutrient, perhaps the best recommendation is to consider both amounts and subtypes when designing nutrition regimens for prevention or management of obesity-associated diabetes mellitus. Much of the interest in high-protein diets stems from theories regarding the interrelationships between glucose and amino-acid metabolism.
