Background Whey protein (WP) intake has been shown to improve hperglycemia. Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the change of stress hormones, oxidative stress and insulin resistance (IR) in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) after supplement whey protein, in an attempt to gain insights into the prevention and treatment of GDM. Methods 60 GDM women were recruited in this study, and 30 women receive a preload drink containing 25 g whey protein as group GDM-W, and the other 30 women receive control flavoring drink as group GDM, and the trial last for 14 days. Plasma epinephrine (E), noradrenaline (NE), and cortisol were detected, we also investigate levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH). Homeostasismodel assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was used to assesse IR. Results In GDM-W group, postprandial blood glucose was decreased significantly on 3d, 5d, 7d and 14d (p < 0.05), plasma 2 h insulin was increased by 7.2%, 8.6% and 20.5% on days 5, 7 and 14 (p < 0.05). HOMA-IR was decreased significantly on days 14 (P < 0.01). MDA was increased by 20.7% on days 14 (P < 0.01), and anti-oxidative enzymes SOD was increased by 13.4% on days 14 (P < 0.01) and GSH was increased by 16.7% and 29.1% on days 7 and 14 (both P < 0.05). Stress hormones E and cortisol were decreased by 10.8% and 19.8% respectively on days 14 (p < 0.05). Conclusions Whey protein supplementation may improve hyperglycemia by alleviate stress disorder and oxidative stress injury in GDM women.

AimTo investigate the change of stress hormones, oxidative stress and insulin resistance (IR) in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) after supplement whey protein, in an attempt to gain insights into the prevention and treatment of GDM.Methods60 GDM women were recruited in this study, and 30 women receive a preload drink containing 25 g whey protein as group GDM-W, and the other 30 women receive control flavoring drink as group GDM, and the trial last for 14 days. Plasma epinephrine (E), noradrenaline (NE), and cortisol were detected, we also investigate levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH). Homeostasismodel assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was used to assesse IR.ResultsIn GDM-W group, postprandial blood glucose was decreased significantly on 3d, 5d, 7d and 14d (p < 0.05), plasma 2h insulin was increased by 7.2%, 8.6% and 20.5% on days 5, 7 and 14 (p < 0.05). HOMA-IR was decreased significantly on days 14 (P < 0.01). MDA was increased by 20.7% on days 14 (P < 0.01), and anti-oxidative enzymes SOD was increased by 13.4% on days 14 (P < 0.01) and GSH was increased by 16.7% and 29.1% on days 7 and 14 (both P < 0.05). Stress hormones E and cortisol were decreased by 10.8% and 19.8% respectively on days 14 (p < 0.05).ConclusionWhey protein supplementation may improve hyperglycemia by alleviate stress disorder and oxidative stress injury in GDM women.This trial was registered at chictr.org.cn/ as ChiCTR1800020413.