*3.2.1 Recommendations for protein intake*

The amount of protein usually consumed by persons with diabetes (15–20% of energy intake) has the smallest acute effects on glycemic response, lipids, and hormones, and no long-term effect on insulin supplies. For people with diabetes, evidence is indecisive to recommend an ideal amount of protein intake for enhancing glycemic control or improving CVD risk factors; therefore aims should be individualized [3]. 20–25% of the total calories from protein sources is recommended by the International Society for Pediatric and Adolescents with diabetes [8]. Prefer 50% of protein intake from high biological value protein. Protein intake with every meal is suggested to reduce the glycaemic response. For those with diabetic kidney disease, dietary protein should be kept at 0.8 g/kg body mass/day. Individualization is the key.

Although nonessential amino acids go through gluconeogenesis, in well-controlled diabetes, the glucose generated does not appear in the general circulation; the glucose generated is likely stored in the liver as glycogen. When glycolysis occurs, it is unknown if the primary source of glucose was saccharide or protein. Although protein is just as potent a stimulant of acute insulin proclamation as saccharide, it has no longterm outcome on insulin needs. Totaling protein to the treatment of hypoglycemia does not stop subsequent hypoglycemia and the addition of protein only adds up unnecessary and usually annoying calories. Furthermore, protein does not lengthy the absorption of Saccharide and should not be added to snacks (or meals) to counteract hypoglycemia [1].

*Medical Nutrition Therapy for Type I Diabetes Mellitus DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.108619*
