Protein is one of three parts of food that make calories. The other two are fats and carbohydrates. Protein is used by the body to build, maintain, and repair body tissues. Protein has little direct effect on blood sugar levels.

Protein is in all animal foods. It is in plant foods, but in smaller amounts. Some plant foods do have a fair amount of protein in them, such as dried beans and peas such as pinto, kidney or red beans, or lentils and split peas. Plant proteins are lower in fat than animal proteins. Try to get lean meats and nonfat or skim milk products to reduce fat.

People with and without diabetes need the same amount of protein for good health. Some studies say that a lower amount of protein in diabetic diets may reduce the chance of getting kidney disease. Other studies say plant protein may prevent or slow down diabetic kidney disease.

Your healthcare provider or registered dietitian can tell you how much protein you need. For more information about diabetes, contact the American Diabetes Foundation at (800) 878-1504.

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