Low protein diet delays onset of diabetes

A low protein diet in early life can delay the onset of diabetes in non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice a recent study has shown. Chamson-Reig et al fed NOD mice a low protein diet during pregnancy to investigate the effect this has on pancreatic development, frequency of insulitis and the onset of diabetes in their offspring.

The findings showed that by eight weeks of age NOD offspring demonstrated a reduction in serum and pancreatic insulin content, and the number of pancreatic islets demonstrating peri-insulitis. Female offspring had a significantly reduced number of islets and a reduction in islet area, and a delayed onset of diabetes was seen in both male and female offspring. Measurement of cytotoxic cytokines showed that these levels decreased in NOD mice, leading the authors to suggest that both immune and beta cell alterations are likely to play a role in the mechanism by which a low protein diet delays the onset of diabetes.

Chamson-Reig, A., Arany, E., Summers, K., Hill, D. Journal of Endocrinology 2009, 201 DOI:10.1677/JOE-09-0002