Association between Low Protein Intake and Mortality in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Area of Science:

• Nutritional Epidemiology
• Geriatric Medicine
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Type 2 diabetes is a global health concern associated with increased mortality.
• Dietary factors, particularly protein intake, may influence health outcomes in diabetic patients.
• Optimal nutritional strategies for different age groups with type 2 diabetes require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the relationship between protein consumption and all-cause mortality risk in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
• To identify potential age-specific differences in the impact of protein intake on mortality.

Main Methods:

• Pooled analysis of data from 2494 patients with type 2 diabetes across two prospective longitudinal studies.
• Nutritional intake, including protein, assessed via Food Frequency Questionnaire at baseline.
• Cox regression analysis used to calculate adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for mortality over a six-year follow-up.

Main Results:

• A significantly higher mortality risk (HR: 2.26, 95% CI: 1.34-3.82) was observed in the lowest quartile of protein intake per body weight compared to the highest.
• Low protein intake was linked to increased mortality in both younger (<65 years) and older (≥75 years) diabetic patients.
• The association between protein intake and mortality remained significant for patients ≥75 years after adjusting for total energy intake, but was attenuated for those <65 years.

Conclusions:

• Adequate protein intake is crucial for reducing mortality risk in older patients (≥75 years) with type 2 diabetes.
• Optimal total energy intake appears more critical than protein intake alone for younger patients (<65 years) with type 2 diabetes.
• Personalized nutritional guidance considering age and overall energy balance is recommended for managing type 2 diabetes.