Eating More Protein with Type 2 Diabetes
By: Jessica Hrdlicka MS, RD, LD/N, CDCES
Eating more protein while living with type 2 diabetes can be a smart strategy to help with blood sugar control, satiety, and muscle maintenance—especially if you’re trying to manage weight or insulin sensitivity. However, it’s important to choose the right kinds of protein and balance them with other nutrients.
Here’s how to increase protein safely and effectively:
🥩 1. Prioritize Lean Protein Sources
Focus on proteins that are low in saturated fat to support heart health:
- Animal-based:
- Skinless chicken or turkey
- Eggs or egg whites
- Fish (especially fatty fish like salmon or sardines for omega-3s)
- Lean beef or pork (look for loin or round cuts)
- Low-fat or non-fat dairy (Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, milk)
- Plant-based:
- Lentils and beans (also high in fiber, which is great for blood sugar)
- Tofu and tempeh
- Edamame
- Quinoa (a complete plant protein)
- Nuts and seeds (in moderation—watch portions due to fat content)
🍳 2. Include Protein at Every Meal and Snack
This helps keep blood sugar stable and reduces cravings.
- Breakfast ideas:
- Scrambled eggs with spinach
- Greek yogurt with chia seeds and berries
- Protein smoothie (with unsweetened almond milk, protein powder, spinach)
- Lunch/Dinner:
- Grilled chicken or tofu over salad
- Lentil soup or chili
- Stir-fry with shrimp and non-starchy veggies
- Snacks:
- Hard-boiled egg
- A handful of almonds
- String cheese
- Hummus with cucumber or bell peppers
💡 3. Watch the Carbs That Come With Protein
Some plant-based proteins like beans or lentils contain carbohydrates. That’s fine—but be mindful of portion sizes and monitor your blood sugar response.
- Combine with non-starchy veggies and healthy fats to slow digestion.
- Use a glucose monitor or CGM (Continuous Glucose Monitor) if you have access, to track how your body reacts.
⚖️ 4. Talk to a Dietitian
A registered dietitian can:
- Help you determine how much protein you need (usually 0.8–1.2g/kg of body weight, sometimes more for older adults).
- Tailor your protein intake around other health concerns (e.g., kidney function, weight goals, etc.).
✅ Key Tips Summary
Strategy | Example |
Eat protein at every meal | Eggs at breakfast, chicken at lunch, fish at dinner |
Choose lean, heart-healthy options | Skinless poultry, fish, legumes |
Combine with fiber & healthy fats | Chicken + avocado + spinach salad |
Be mindful of carbs in plant proteins | Lentils = protein + carbs |
Use protein shakes if needed | 1 scoop protein + almond milk + spinach |
For more information on diabetes management, chronic kidney disease weight loss and nutrition or to schedule your CGM Class call 561-659-6336 ext 8012 to schedule an appointment today. Please enjoy our August 2025 Living Well with Diabetes Newsletter
Metabolic Dysfunction Associated Steatotic Liver Disease
By: Geetanjali Kale, M.D.
When you say MASLD to a non-medical person, the first question they ask, is why would you name something that? What does it even stand for? I hear the exasperation in their tone. Our medical community can certainly work on more patient friendly names for diseases! But I am bringing it up today because of how important it is to know about this disease process, as we are experiencing metabolic syndrome and its complication at epidemic proportions. We are diagnosing variety of presentations stemming from underlying metabolic dysfunction, diagnosed at younger and younger ages and MASLD is certainly a very important metabolic dysfunction, patients should be aware of.
What is MASLD? (Metabolic dysfunction Associated Steatotic Liver Disease)
MASLD also simply known as ‘fatty liver’ is fat deposition in liver associated with one or more risk factor of metabolic dysfunction, (HTN, dyslipidemia, diabetes or prediabetes, OSA, obesity), in absence of any other explanation for liver disease such as alcohol use or hepatitis.
When to suspect if you have this condition?
Liver function test abnormalities are early clues. Sometimes labs such as ALT, AST are mildly elevated, sometimes elevated in multiple times the normal value. In some cases of MASLD, liver tests can be completely normal. If your doctor suspects it strongly, if you have more than 2 metabolic risk factors, you can proceed with Liver Ultrasonography even in presence of normal liver function tests. The liver ultrasound can be followed up with further testing such as Fibroscan imaging (assessing elasticity of liver parenchyma) or liver biopsy.
Why is it important to diagnose MASLD at earlier stages?
MASLD is linked to underlying metabolic dysfunction and underlying hepatic insulin resistance. MASLD causes diffuse fat infiltration in your liver cells, that can then elicit fibrosis or scar formation, replacing healthy liver tissue into scar tissue. This leads to cirrhosis and significant loss of normal liver function.
When diagnosed at earlier stages, we can reverse this damage by improving components of metabolic syndrome such as diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia obesity.
While working on lifestyle modifications, your physician can consider drugs such as metformin, GLP-1 agonists, GLP-1/GIP agonists, oral weight loss medications etc.
There is a medication by the name Resmetirom (Rezdiffra) is specifically approved for management of MASLD. Some patients may benefit from bariatric surgical interventions to improve their risk of hepatic fibrosis.
Next time when your doctor see your physician and you discuss other metabolic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, and hypertension, dyslipidemia, OSA, obesity, please feel free to ask any additional questions you may have regarding this funnily named entity called MASLD as well.
Healthy Meal Planning Class & Pre-Diabetes Sessions are available! Join our classes to stay motivated & feel great this Summer!
Healthy Meal Planning & Weight Loss Class
West Palm Beach Location (Virtual or In Person!)
Temple Israel 1901 N. Flagler Drive
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Tuesday September 9th10am-12pm
Boynton Beach Location
6056 Boynton Beach Blvd.
Boynton Beach, FL 33437
Tuesday October 21st 10am-12pm
Pre-Diabetes Class
West Palm Beach Location (Virtual or In Person!)
Temple Israel 1901 N. Flagler Drive
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Tuesday September 16th 10am-12pm
If interested attending this program please contact our scheduling department at (561) 659-6336 Extension 8001 today!
At Healthy Living with Diabetes we want to ensure that you are satisfied with all services received. We also would like your input on educational workshops that you would like us to offer, information you would like to read about in Healthy Living with Diabetes Monthly or feedback on any workshop that you may have attended. You can contact the director of education personally by email jcook@PBDES.COM or leave a message at (561) 659-6336 ext. 8012. We would love to hear from you!
Check us out on the web!
www.palmbeachdiabetes.com
www.facebook.com/pbdeseducation