Managing type 2 diabetes means more than just cutting sugar—it’s also about choosing the right proteins. While protein helps stabilize blood sugar, too much or the wrong kind can strain your kidneys. A new study from Taiwan sheds light on the specific amino acids and protein sources that may lower your risk of diabetic kidney disease (DKD).

In this post, we’ll break down the study’s findings, explain what it means for your daily diet, and show you which proteins to focus on (and why it matters for more than just diabetes).

Table of Contents:

1. Why Protein Matters in Diabetes & Kidney Health

2. Inside the Study: What the Researchers Found

3. What Are Ketogenic Amino Acids?

4. Best Food Sources of Leucine & Lysine

5. Tips for Balancing Your Protein Intake

6. How to Apply This in Real Life

1. Why Protein Matters in Diabetes & Kidney Health

Protein is essential for stabilizing blood sugar because it slows down digestion and reduces post-meal glucose spikes. But for people with diabetes—especially those not on dialysis—getting the right amount of protein matters just as much as the source.

Some evidence suggests that high intakes of animal protein may increase kidney strain, while plant-based proteins may protect against it. However, the latest guidelines from the Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (2022) say there's no clear winner yet. Instead, they recommend keeping protein at 0.8 g/kg of ideal body weight per day, whether from animal or plant sources.

2. Inside the Study: What the Researchers Found

Researchers in Taiwan studied 378 adults with type 2 diabetes, dividing them into groups based on their kidney health and protein intake. Participants shared their food habits in interviews with dietitians, and the team analyzed both quantity and types of protein consumed.

Key Findings:

• People who ate more protein overall had better kidney function, measured by higher eGFR and lower creatinine levels.

• Those with the lowest protein intake showed the poorest kidney health and highest blood sugar readings.

• Specific amino acids—especially leucine and lysine (both ketogenic and essential)—were linked to a lower risk of diabetic kidney disease.

These findings suggest that it’s not just about eating some protein—it’s about what kind of amino acids you’re feeding your body.

3. What Are Ketogenic Amino Acids?

Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. There are 20 your body uses, but nine are essential, meaning you must get them from food.

Ketogenic amino acids are special because instead of being converted into glucose, they turn into ketones, which the body can use for energy without raising blood sugar. That makes them especially useful for people managing diabetes.

Among these, leucine and lysine stood out in the study for their strong link to reduced risk of kidney decline.

4. Best Food Sources of Leucine & Lysine

Here’s the good news: you don’t have to eat anything exotic to get these powerful amino acids. In fact, they’re found in a variety of both animal and plant-based foods.

Top Sources of Leucine & Lysine:

• Dairy: Milk, cheese, Greek yogurt

• Fish & Seafood: Salmon, cod, shrimp

• Poultry & Lean Meat: Chicken, turkey, lean beef, pork

• Legumes: Lentils, chickpeas, black beans

• Soy Products: Tofu, tempeh, edamame

• Nuts & Seeds: Pumpkin seeds, almonds, peanuts

• Whole Grains: Quinoa, amaranth, buckwheat

• Eggs

This list makes it easy to mix and match proteins based on your diet preferences—whether you’re omnivorous, flexitarian, or plant-based.

5. Tips for Balancing Your Protein Intake

Instead of obsessing over grams, try focusing on quality and balance in each meal. Here are a few tips to make it easy:

• Know your target: Aim for ~0.8 g of protein per kg of ideal body weight. (A 170 lb person = ~62g protein/day)

• Pair it smartly: Combine protein with fiber and healthy fats to keep blood sugar steady (e.g., hummus + veggie sticks, eggs + avocado toast).

• Diversify sources: Mix animal and plant proteins to cover a broader amino acid profile.

• Batch prep: Cook beans, grill chicken, or portion out nuts to make protein-rich snacks grab-and-go ready.

6. How to Apply This in Real Life

If you have type 2 diabetes and want to protect your kidney health, the takeaway is simple: focus on variety and quality in your protein choices. Eating more foods rich in leucine and lysine—especially from plant sources—could help reduce your risk of kidney complications.

Try this:

• Breakfast: Greek yogurt with berries and chia seeds

• Lunch: Quinoa salad with black beans and grilled chicken

• Snack: Edamame sprinkled with sea salt or Aleppo pepper

• Dinner: Baked salmon with roasted lentils and spinach

Conclusion

This new study reveals that certain amino acids—especially leucine and lysine—may play a protective role in diabetic kidney health. By including a mix of plant and animal proteins rich in these amino acids, you can better support stable blood sugar and kidney function.