Efficacy and tolerance of a diabetes specific formula in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: An open label, randomized, crossover study

AimThis study evaluated the effect of a diabetes specific formula on acute glucose, insulin, and triglyceride responses in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).MethodsThis open-label, randomized, crossover, pilot single center study had two phases (pre-treatment and treatment). After screening, the patients entered run-in period and were counseled on diet and exercise regime. They were then randomly allocated to receive either diabetes specific formula (Nutren® Diabetes, Nestlé Health Science, Switzerland; Group A) or isocaloric meal (Cornflakes and milk; Group B). Blood samples were collected to estimate blood glucose, insulin and triglyceride levels (Baseline at 0 min and post-meal at 30, 60, 120, and 180 min).ResultsArea under curve for blood glucose post-meal at 30 min, 60 min, 120 min, and 180 min was significantly lower for Group A as compared with Group B (p = 0.003, 0.0001, 0.0001, 0.0001, respectively). Increase in serum insulin levels from baseline was also lower for Group A post-meal at 120 and 180 min, respectively, as compared to Group B (p = 0.0001 and 0.0002, respectively).ConclusionThe Diabetes specific formula tested in this study showed lower post-meal blood glucose and insulin levels as compared with isocaloric meal. Thus, diabetes specific formula may be an option for diabetic and hyperglycemic patients in need of nutritional support.