Aim: To investigate timing of protein ingestion relative to resistance exercise training (RT) on body composition, cardiometabolic risk factors, glycaemic control and resting energy expenditure (REE) during weight loss on a high‐protein (HP) diet in overweight and obese patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM).
Methods: Thirty‐four men/women with T2DM (age 57 ± 7 years and body mass index 34.9 ± 4.2 kg m−2) were randomly assigned to the ingestion of a HP meal (860 kJ, 21 g protein, 0.7 g fat, 29.6 g carbohydrate) either immediately prior to RT or at least 2 h following RT. All participants followed a 16‐week, energy‐restricted (6–7 MJ day−1), HP diet (carbohydrate : protein : fat 43 : 33 : 22) and participated in supervised RT (3 day week−1). Outcomes were assessed pre‐ and postintervention at 16 weeks.
Results: There was an overall reduction in bodyweight (−11.9 ± 6.1 kg), fat mass (−10.0 ± 4.4 kg), fat‐free mass (−1.9 ± 3.1 kg), waist circumference (−12.1 ± 5.3 cm), REE (−742 ± 624 kJ day−1), glucose (−1.9 ± 1.7 mmol l−1), insulin (−6.1 ± 6.7 mU l−1) and glycosylated haemoglobin (−1.1 ± 0.1%), p ≤ 0.01 time for all variables, with no difference between groups (p ≥ 0.41 group effect). Strength improved and cardiometabolic risk factors were reduced similarly in both groups; single repetition maximum chest press 11.0 ± 8.7 kg, single repetition maximum lat pull down 9.9 ± 6.0 kg, total cholesterol −0.6 ± 0.5 mmol l−1, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol −0.1 ± 0.2 mmol l−1, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol −0.3 ± 0.5 mmol l−1, triglycerides −0.6 ± 0.7 mmol l−1, blood pressure (systolic/diastolic) −13 ± 10/−7 ± 7 mmHg (p ≤ 0.04 time effect, p ≥ 0.24 group effect).
Conclusion: A HP, energy‐restricted diet with RT was effective in improving glycaemic control, body composition, strength and cardiometabolic risk factors in overweight/obese patients with T2DM irrespective of altering the timing of protein ingestion relative to RT.