Improved Glucose Profile in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes With a New, High-Protein, Diabetes-Specific Tube Feed During 4 Hours of Continuous Feeding.

BACKGROUND: Hyperglycemia frequently occurs in hospitalized patients receiving nutrition support. In this study, the effects of a new diabetes-specific formula (DSF) on glucose profile during 4 hours of continuous feeding and 4 hours after stopping feeding were compared with a standard formula (SF).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this randomized, controlled, double-blind, crossover study, ambulant, nonhospitalized patients with type 2 diabetes received the DSF or an isocaloric, fiber-containing SF via a nasogastric tube. After overnight fasting, the formula was continuously administered to the patients during 4 hours. Plasma glucose and insulin concentrations were determined during the 4-hour period and in the subsequent 4 hours during which no formula was provided.

RESULTS: During the 4-hour feeding period, DSF compared with SF resulted in a lower mean delta glucose concentration in the 3- to 4-hour period (0.3 ± 1.0 and 2.4 ± 1.5 mmol/L; P < .001). Also, the (delta) peak concentrations, (delta) mean concentrations, and incremental area under the curve (iAUC) for glucose and insulin were significantly lower during DSF compared with SF feeding (all comparisons: P < .001). Furthermore, fewer patients experienced hyperglycemia (>10 mmol/L) on DSF compared with SF (2 vs 11, P = .003, respectively). No differences in number of patients with hypoglycemia (<3.9 mmol/L) were observed. No significant differences in tolerance were observed.

CONCLUSION: Administration of a new, high-protein DSF during 4 hours of continuous feeding resulted in lower glucose and insulin levels compared with a fiber-containing SF in ambulant, nonhospitalized patients with type 2 diabetes. These data suggest that a DSF may contribute to lower glucose levels in these patients.