Use of a diabetes-specific nutritional shake to replace a daily breakfast and afternoon snack improves glycemic responses assessed by continuous glucose monitoring in people with type 2 diabetes: a randomized clinical pilot study

Postprandial glycemic response to a high-protein diabetes-specific nutritional shake compared to isocaloric instant oatmeal in people with type 2 diabetes: a randomized, controlled, crossover trial

Introduction

Minimizing postprandial glucose response is an important goal for overall diabetes management. Diabetes-specific nutritional shakes (DSNS) have been clinically shown to minimize postprandial glucose response in people with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) compared to high-glycemic foods. However, it is unknown how a high-protein, low-fat DSNS impacts the GLP-1 response.

Methods

We tested the postprandial glucose, insulin, and GLP-1 response to a high-protein, low-fat diabetes-specific nutritional shake (DSNS-HP) compared to isocaloric instant oatmeal (IOM) in a randomized, controlled, crossover study in adults with T2DM (n = 24). Participants were randomly selected to receive IOM or DSNS-HP on two test days. Glucose, insulin, and total GLP-1 concentration were measured at baseline and 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, 180, and 240 min postprandially.

Results

Compared to IOM, the glucose-positive area under the curve (pAUC) was significantly lower (P = .021). DSNS-HP significantly increased GLP-1 pAUC response by 213% (P <.001) with a corresponding increase in insulin pAUC (P = .033) compared to IOM.

Discussion

A high-protein, low-fat DSNS leads to favorable changes in GLP-1 response and is a suitable option to minimize blood glucose response in people with type 2 diabetes.

A probabilistic computation framework to estimate the dawn phenomenon in type 2 diabetes using continuous glucose monitoring

In type 2 diabetes (T2D), the dawn phenomenon is an overnight glucose rise recognized to contribute to overall glycemia and is a potential target for therapeutic intervention. Existing CGM-based approaches do not account for sensor error, which can mask the true extent of the dawn phenomenon. To address this challenge, we developed a probabilistic framework that incorporates sensor error to assign a probability to the occurrence of dawn phenomenon. In contrast, the current approaches label glucose fluctuations as dawn phenomena as a binary yes/no. We compared the proposed probabilistic model with a standard binary model on CGM data from 173 participants (71% female, 87% Hispanic/Latino, 54 ± 12 years, with either a diagnosis of T2D for six months or with an elevated risk of T2D) stratified by HbA1c levels into normal but at risk for T2D, with pre-T2D, or with non-insulin-treated T2D. The probabilistic model revealed a higher dawn phenomenon frequency in T2D [49% (95% CI 37-63%)] compared to pre-T2D [36% (95% CI 31-48%), p = 0.01] and at-risk participants [34% (95% CI 27-39%), p < 0.0001]. While these trends were also found using the binary approach, the probabilistic model identified significantly greater dawn phenomenon frequency than the traditional binary model across all three HbA1c sub-groups (p < 0.0001), indicating its potential to detect the dawn phenomenon earlier across diabetes risk categories.

Efficacy and Safety of a High-Energy, Low-Protein Formula Replacement Meal for Pre-Dialysis Chronic Kidney Disease Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

High-energy, low-protein formulas (HE-LPFs) are commonly used as oral nutritional supplements (ONSs) to help provide extra calories to patients who are adhering to a low-protein diet (LPD) after diagnosis with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of an HE-LPF as either a partial or a total replacement for one meal in pre-dialysis CKD patients. Stage 4-5 CKD patients received either a once-daily HE-LPF (HE-LPF group) or normal food (control group) for a period of 4 weeks while following an LPD. Overall, 73 patients who completed the study were included in the intention-to-treat population. After analyzing the 3-day food records, the HE-LPF group experienced a significant decrease in the percentage of energy derived from protein (p < 0.05) and an increase in the percentage of energy derived from fat (p < 0.05) compared to the control group. The two groups had no significant differences in body weight, body composition, grip strength, renal function, electrolytes, or metabolic markers. The HE-LPF group had a high adherence (94.9% at week 4), and no adverse effects were observed. HE-LPFs are safe to employ as meal replacements for pre-dialysis CKD patients adhering to an LPD.

Glycaemic and insulinaemic impact of a diabetes-specific oral nutritional supplement with extra-virgin olive oil in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus at nutritional risk: a randomized, double-blind, crossover, multicentre clinical trial (DIACARE)

Introduction

Introduction: there is controversy about the usefulness of specific enteral nutrition formulas in malnourished patients with diabetes. The effects on blood glucose and other aspects of metabolic control are not fully understood in the scientific literature. Objective: the aim of the study was to compare the glycaemic and insulinaemic response of patients with type 2 diabetes at risk of malnutrition after oral feed between a diabetes-specific formula with AOVE (DSF) and a standard one (STF). Methods: A randomized, double-blind, crossover, multicentre clinical trial was conducted in patients with type 2 diabetes at risk of malnutrition (SGA). The patients were randomized to receive either DSF or STF, a week apart. A glycaemia and insulinaemia curve was made at times 0 minutes, 30 min, 60 min, 90 min, 120 min, and 180 min after the patients drank 200 ml of the oral nutritional supplement (ONS). The principal variables were the area under the curve (AUC0-t) of glucose and insulin. Results: 29 patients (51 % women) were included, who were on average 68.84 (SD 11.37) years old. Regarding the degree of malnutrition, 86.2 % presented moderate malnutrition (B) and 13.8 % severe (C). When the patients received the DSF, they had a lower mean of glucose AUC0-t (-3,325.34 mg/min/dl [95 % CI: -4,3608.34 to -2,290.07]; p = 0.016) and also a lower mean of insulin AUC0-t (-451.14 uU/min/ml [95 % CI: -875,10 to -27.17]; p = 0.038). There were no differences in the degree of malnutrition. Conclusion: compared with STF, DSF with AOVE showed a better glycaemic and insulinaemic response in patients with type 2 diabetes at risk of malnutrition.

Development of a Functional Acceptable Diabetic and Plant-Based Snack Bar Using Mushroom (Coprinus comatus) Powder

Consumers' growing concern about health and well-being has led to increased interest in functional foods. This research aims to evaluate the physicochemical and antioxidant properties of a functional plant-based (PB) snack bar enriched with Coprinus comatus powder. The snack bar formulations exhibited a wide range of flavor and textural characteristics. Two PB snack bars and four commercial bars were evaluated by a consumer panel of healthy volunteers (n = 20). The PB snack bar scored 'like extremely' on the 9-point hedonic scale. External preference mapping determined that sweetness, flavors, cohesiveness, gumminess, and adhesion had the greatest influence on consumer acceptability. Water content, ash, protein, fat, carbohydrate, reducing sugar, resistant starch, and dietary fiber were measured. Nutritional content was enhanced (omega 3, fiber and protein), and samples were shelf life stable (aw < 0.29; moisture content < 10%). In addition, the PB snack bar underwent simulated digestion according to the INFOGEST protocol, and from the comparative evaluation, the PB snack can be seen to control the post-prandial glycemic responses, as observed by the different degree of reducing sugars released via the matrix. The PB snack bar can be further functionally enhanced by the addition of their unique ingredients such as Coprinus comatus. Coprinus comatus powder is claimed to benefit glycemic control in diabetes and has attracted growing interest in terms of its potential use in natural products with possible health benefits.

The Relationship Between Dietary Patterns and Glycemic Variability in People with Impaired Glucose Tolerance

BACKGROUND

Diurnal glucose fluctuations are increased in prediabetes and might be affected by specific dietary patterns.

OBJECTIVES

The present study assessed the relationship between glycemic variability (GV) and dietary regimen in people with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT).

METHODS

Forty-one NGT (mean age: 45.0 ± 9.0 y, mean BMI: 32.0 ± 7.0 kg/m2) and 53 IGT (mean age: 48.4 ± 11.2 y, mean BMI: 31.3 ± 5.9 kg/m2) subjects were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. The FreeStyleLibre Pro sensor was used for 14 d, and several parameters of GV were calculated. The participants were provided with a diet diary to record all meals. ANOVA analysis, Pearson correlation, and stepwise forward regression were performed.

RESULTS

Despite no difference in diet patterns between the 2 groups, GV parameters were higher in IGT than in NGT. GV worsened with an increase in overall daily carbohydrate and refined grain consumption and improved with the increase in whole grain intake in IGT. GV parameters were positively related [r = 0.14-0.53; all P < 0.02 for SD, continuous overall net glycemic action 1 (CONGA1), J-index, lability index (LI), glycemic risk assessment diabetes equation, M-value, and mean absolute glucose (MAG)], and low blood glucose index (LBGI) inversely (r = -0.37, P = 0.006) related to the total percentage of carbohydrate, but not to the distribution of carbohydrate between the main meals in the IGT group. A negative relationship existed between total protein consumption and GV indices (r = -0.27 to -0.52; P < 0.05 for SD, CONGA1, J-index, LI, M-value, and MAG). The total EI was related to GV parameters (r = 0.27-0.32; P < 0.05 for CONGA1, J-index, LI, and M-value; and r = -0.30, P = 0.028 for LBGI).

CONCLUSIONS

The primary outcome results showed that insulin sensitivity, calories, and carbohydrate content are predictors of GV in individuals with IGT. Overall, the secondary analyses suggested that carbohydrate and daily consumption of refined grains might be associated with higher GV, whereas whole grains and daily protein intake were related to lower GV in people with IGT.

Effect of diabetes-specific oral nutritional supplements with allulose on weight and glycemic profiles in overweight or obese type 2 diabetic patients

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Diabetes-specific oral nutritional supplements (ONS) have anti-hyperglycemic effects, while D-allulose exerts anti-diabetic and anti-obesity effects. In this study, we investigated the efficacy and safety of diabetes-specific ONS, including allulose, on glycemic and weight changes in overweight or obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

SUBJECTS/METHODS

A single-arm, historical-control pilot clinical trial was conducted on 26 overweight or obese patients with T2DM (age range: 30-70 yrs). The participants were administered 2 packs of diabetes-specific ONS, including allulose (200 kcal/200 mL), every morning for 8 weeks. The glycemic profiles, obesity-related parameters, and lipid profiles were assessed to evaluate the efficacy of ONS.

RESULTS

After 8 weeks, fasting blood glucose (FBG) level significantly decreased from 139.00 ± 29.66 mg/dL to 126.08 ± 32.00 mg/dL (P = 0.007) and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) improved (7.23 ± 0.82% vs. 7.03 ± 0.69%, P = 0.041). Moreover, the fasting insulin (δ: -1.81 ± 3.61 μU/mL, P = 0.017) and homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (δ: -0.87 ± 1.57, P = 0.009) levels decreased at 8 weeks, and body weight significantly decreased from 67.20 ± 8.29 kg to 66.43 ± 8.12 kg (P = 0.008). Body mass index (BMI) also decreased in accordance with this (from 25.59 ± 1.82 kg/m2 to 25.30 ± 1.86 kg/m2, P = 0.009), as did waist circumference (δ: -1.31 ± 2.04 cm, P = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

The consumption of diabetes-specific ONS with allulose in overweight or obese patients with T2DM improved glycemic profiles, such as FBG, HbA1c, and HOMA-IR, and reduced body weight and BMI.

Effects of low-GI biscuits as pre-loads or mid-meal snacks on post-prandial glycemic excursions in women with recent gestational diabetes: A protocol for a randomized crossover trial and an extended tailored intervention

Background

Increased post-prandial glycemic excursions contribute to the development of diabetes and have been observed in women with recent gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and with normal glucose tolerance at post-partum. As a convenient meal replacement, low-GI biscuits are helpful for improving glycemic excursions in patients with type 2 diabetes. However, it is unknown whether low-GI biscuits as pre-loads or mid-meal snacks have a better effect in diminishing post-prandial glycemic excursions from the individual level in women with recent GDM. Therefore, the aim of this trial is to tailor a better dietary strategy utilizing low-GI biscuits (Fitmeal) to improve post-prandial glycemic excursions through within-subject comparison in such a population and observe the long-term effect of a tailored dietary approach in glycemic control.

Methods

We have designed a two-phase trial including a randomized, crossover, non-blinded trial in the first phase, followed by a 4-week tailored intervention in the second phase. A total of 52 post-partum women with recent GDM will be allocated into four meal plans: (1) Fitmeal pre-load 30 min before standard lunch meal (P+L), (2) Fitmeal as a mid-meal snack 2 h before standard lunch meal (S+L), (3) isocaloric standard control with co-ingestion of Fitmeal and standard lunch meal (CL) at the same time, and (4) placebo control with 200 ml of water taken 30 min before standard lunch meal (W + L), on four consecutive days. Acute post-prandial glycemic response (PGR) measured by continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) will be compared among the four meals. In the second phase, all participants will receive a 4-week tailored intervention using Fitmeal as pre-loads or mid-meal snacks based on within-subject PGR results from the first phase. Glycemic metrics, dietary behaviors, and psychosocial factors (e.g., quality of life, self-efficacy, perceived stress, and depression) will be examined at baseline and end-point.

Discussion

This trial is expected to optimize the use of low-GI biscuits as pre-loads or mid-meal snacks in improving individual post-prandial glycemic excursions among women with recent GDM. Furthermore, the findings of this study will provide novel information on how to deliver an effective dietary intervention at the individual level and guide future clinical practice of medical nutrition therapy for diabetes prevention.

Trial registration number

Chinese clinical trial registry, ChiCTR2200060923.

Real World Practice Study of the Effect of a Specific Oral Nutritional Supplement for Diabetes Mellitus on the Morphofunctional Assessment and Protein Energy Requirements

Introduction: The prevalence of malnutrition in patients with diabetes mellitus is high. In these patients, monitoring nutritional intervention is complex. Aims: To evaluate the evolution in the nutritional status in patients with diabetes/prediabetes and malnutrition with a diabetes-specific enteral formula. Methods: Real-life study of one arm in 60 patients with diabetes and prediabetes, performing a dietary adaptation with diabetes-specific oral nutritional supplementation. A morphofunctional assessment was performed, consisting of intake assessment, anthropometry, body composition (bioimpedance and muscle ultrasound), handgrip strength and biochemical markers. The diagnosis of malnutrition was made using the criteria of the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM). The variables were measured at baseline and 3 months after starting the intervention. Results: The mean age was 67.13 (14.9) years. In total, 30 (50%) of the patients were women. Of the total, 60% of the patients had diabetes mellitus and 40% of the patients had prediabetes. The initial body mass index was 24.65 (5.35) kg/m2. It was observed that 80% of the patients had malnutrition, whereas after the intervention, the prevalence was 51.7% (p < 0.01). At the beginning of the study, 20% of the patients suffered from sarcopenia and after the intervention it was 16.7% (p = 0.19). Conclusions: Medical Nutrition Therapy with an adapted oral diet associated with diabetes-specific oral nutritional supplementation reduces malnutrition in patients at nutritional risk and disturbances of carbohydrate metabolism.

The Transcultural Diabetes Nutrition Algorithm: A Middle Eastern Version

Diabetes prevalence is on the rise in the Middle East. In countries of the Gulf region-Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates-prevalence rates are among the highest in the world. Further, Egypt now ranks as one of the top 10 countries in the world for high number of people with diabetes. Medical nutrition therapy is key to optimal management of diabetes. Patient adherence to nutritional guidance depends on advice that is tailored to regional foods and cultural practices. In 2012, international experts created a transcultural Diabetes Nutrition Algorithm (tDNA) for broad applicability. The objective of this current project was to adapt the algorithm and supportive materials to the Middle East region. A Task Force of regional and global experts in the fields of diabetes, obesity, and metabolic disorders met to achieve consensus on Middle East-specific adaptations to the tDNA. Recommendations, position statements, figures, and tables are presented here, representing conclusions of the tDNA-Middle Eastern (tDNA-ME) Task Force. Educational materials can be used to help healthcare professionals optimize nutritional care for patients with type 2 diabetes. The tDNA-ME version provides evidence-based guidance on how to meet patients' nutritional needs while following customs of people living in the Middle Eastern region.

Transcultural Lifestyle Medicine in Type 2 Diabetes Care: Narrative Review of the Literature

Disparities in type 2 diabetes (T2D) care is a global problem across diverse cultures. The Dysglycemia-Based Chronic Disease (DBCD) model promotes early and sustainable interventions along the insulin resistance (stage 1), prediabetes (stage 2), T2D (stage 3), and complications (stage 4) spectrum. In this model, lifestyle medicine is the cornerstone of preventive care to reduce DBCD progression and the socioeconomic/biological burden of disease. A comprehensive literature review, spanning 2000 to 2021, was performed and 55 studies were included examining the effects of lifestyle medicine and their cultural adaptions with different prevention modalities. In stage 1, primordial prevention targets modifiable primary drivers (behavior and environment), unhealthy lifestyles, abnormal adiposity, and insulin resistance with educational and motivational health promotion activities at individual, group, community, and population-based scales. Primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention targets individuals with mild hyperglycemia, severe hyperglycemia, and complications, respectively, using programs that incorporate structured lifestyle interventions. Culturally adapted lifestyle change in primary and secondary prevention improved quality of life and biomarkers, but with a limited impact of tertiary prevention on cardiovascular events. In conclusion, lifestyle medicine with cultural adaptations is an integral part of preventive care in patients with T2D. However, considerable research gaps exist, especially for tertiary prevention.

Is There a Role for Diabetes-Specific Nutrition Formulas as Meal Replacements in Type 2 Diabetes?

Nutrition therapy plays an integral role in the prevention and management of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). A potential strategy is the utilization of diabetes-specific nutrition formulas (DSNFs) as meal replacements. In this article, we distinguish DSNFs from standard nutrition formulas, review the clinical data examining the effectiveness of DSNFs, and propose an evidence-based algorithm for incorporating DSNFs as part of nutrition therapy in T2D. DSNFs contain slowly-digestible carbohydrates, healthy fats (e.g., monounsaturated fatty acids), and specific micronutrients, which provide added benefits over standard nutrition formulas. In short- and long-term clinical trials, DSNFs demonstrate improvements in postprandial glycemic responses translating into sustainable benefits in long-term glycemic control (e.g., hemoglobin A1c and glycemic variability) and various cardiometabolic outcomes. To facilitate the delivery of DSNFs in a clinical setting, the transcultural diabetes nutrition algorithm can be utilized based on body weight (underweight, normal weight, or overweight) and level of glycemic control (controlled or uncontrolled).

The northeast glucose drift: Stratification of post-breakfast dysglycemia among predominantly Hispanic/Latino adults at-risk or with type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND

There is minimal experience in continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) among underserved racial/ethnic minority populations with or at risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D), and therefore a lack of CGM-driven insight for these individuals. We analyzed breakfast-related CGM profiles of free-living, predominantly Hispanic/Latino individuals at-risk of T2D, with pre-T2D, or with non-insulin treated T2D.

METHODS

Starting February 2019, 119 participants in Santa Barbara, CA, USA, (93 female, 87% Hispanic/Latino [predominantly Mexican-American], age 54·4 [±12·1] years), stratified by HbA_1c levels into (i) at-risk of T2D, (ii) with pre-T2D, and (iii) with non-insulin treated T2D, wore blinded CGMs for two weeks. We compared valid CGM profiles from 106 of these participants representing glucose response to breakfast using four parameters.

FINDINGS

A "northeast drift" was observed in breakfast glucose responses comparing at-risk to pre-T2D to T2D participants. T2D participants had a significantly higher pre-breakfast glucose level, glucose rise, glucose incremental area under the curve (all p < 0·0001), and time to glucose peak (p < 0·05) compared to pre-T2D and at-risk participants. After adjusting for demographic and clinical covariates, pre-breakfast glucose and time to peak (p < 0·0001) were significantly associated with HbA_1c. The model predicted HbA_1c within (0·55 ± 0·67)% of true laboratory HbA_1c values.

INTERPRETATION

For predominantly Hispanic/Latino adults, the average two-week breakfast glucose response shows a progression of dysglycemia from at-risk of T2D to pre-T2D to T2D. CGM-based breakfast metrics have the potential to predict HbA_1c levels and monitor diabetes progression.

FUNDING

US Department of Agriculture (Grant #2018-33800-28404), a seed grant from the industry board fees of the NSF Engineering Research Center for Precise Advanced Technologies and Health Systems for Underserved Populations (PATHS-UP) (Award #1648451), and the Elsevier foundation.

COUNTERPOINT: Artificial Sweeteners for Obesity-Better than Sugary Alternatives; Potentially a Solution

OBJECTIVE

Nonnutritive (NNSs) are used in place of sugars to reduce caloric and glycemic intake while providing desired sweetness, commonly replacing sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) with "diet" (zero-calorie) alternatives. Concern has developed due to observational data associating NNSs with obesity and adiposity-based chronic disease. This counterpoint argues that, in general, NNSs used in place of added or excess sugars in the diet are likely beneficial.

METHODS

A literature review was conducted on interventional trials investigating NNSs and obesity or type 2 diabetes mellitus. Key words used in the search included artificial sweeteners, nonnutritive sweeteners, saccharin, sucralose, aspartame, stevia/steviol, acesulfame potassium, meal replacements, type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity, and weight.

RESULTS

Interventional data and indirect interventional data consistently showed beneficial effects on weight and cardiometabolic health, including glycemia, when SSBs or other energy-dense foods were replaced by artificially sweetened beverages or artificially sweetened meal replacements.

CONCLUSION

Although NNSs correlate with obesity and adiposity-based chronic disease, those data are fraught with confounding and error. Plausibility has been suggested on the basis of preclinical research on neuroendocrine control of appetite, satiety, and cravings plus the gut microbiome. However, interventional data reveal that replacing caloric/glycemic energy intake via NNSs creates an energy deficit resulting in weight loss and improvement in disease-especially dysglycemic disease. Intensive dietary intervention using artificially sweetened meal replacements shows a marked clinical benefit without detriment from their NNSs. Furthermore, beverages sweetened with NNSs rather than SSBs have been noted to be a critical component for those succeeding in maintaining weight loss. Although individual responses to the effects of NNSs are always warranted just like in any clinical situation, patients should not be advised to avoid NNSs in the context of dietary intervention to improve quality and energy deficit.

Diabetes-Specific Nutrition Formulas in the Management of Patients with Diabetes and Cardiometabolic Risk

Food-based dietary management, enhanced with evidence-based commercial products, such as diabetes-specific nutrition formulas (DSNFs), can help control the development, progression, and severity of certain chronic diseases. In this review, evidence is detailed on the use of DSNFs in patients with or at risk for diabetes and cardiometabolic-based chronic disease. Many DSNF strategies target glycemic excursions and cardiovascular physiology, taking into account various elements of healthy eating patterns. Nevertheless, significant research, knowledge, and practice gaps remain. These gaps are actionable in terms of formulating and testing relevant and pragmatic research questions, developing an educational program for the uniform distribution of information, and collaboratively writing clinical practice guidelines that incorporate the evidence base for DSNF. In sum, the benefits of DNSF as part of validated clinical practice algorithms include mitigation of chronic disease progression, cost-savings for the healthcare system, and applicability on a global scale.