diabetes complications and energy balance. Protein stimulates insulin just as carbohydrates, but does not increase blood glucose levels. For people with type 2 diabetes, 20-30% of total energy intake should be from protein. This amount of protein will help improve glycemic control, aid in satiety and preserve lean body mass during weight loss in both diabetes and prediabetes. It will also provide for increased protein requirements of the older adult. The best mix of protein, carbohydrate and fat varies depending on individual circumstances: Dietary reference intakes recommend that healthy adults should consume 45-65% of energy from carbohydrate, 20-35% from fat and 10-35% from protein. Total caloric intake must be appropriate for weight management.