Effect of 2 Liquid Nutritional Supplements for Diabetes Patients on Postprandial Glucose,Insulin Secretion,and Insulin Sensitivity in Healthy Individuals

Aim: To compare the effect of 2 liquid nutritional supplements (Enterex Diabetic and Glucerna SR) designed for the patient with diabetes mellitus on postprandial glucose, insulin secretion, and insulin sensitivity in healthy individuals. Patients and Methods: A randomized, double-blind, crossover clinical trial was carried out in 14 healthy, young (average age 21.7 ± 2.8 years) volunteers. Each individual received a single administration of 232 kcal in 232 mL of Enterex Diabetic or in 237 mL of Glucerna SR. Three days later, the intervention was crossed using the opposite supplement. At the beginning of each administration and later at 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes, glucose and insulin concentrations were measured. Triglyceride concentrations were measured at the beginning and at 120 minutes. Area under the curve of glucose and insulin was calculated. First-phase and total insulin secretion, as well as insulin sensitivity, were assessed. Results: Glucose concentration at 120 minutes was significantly lower after the administration of Enterex Diabetic in comparison with Glucerna SR (4.3 ± 0.6 vs 4.7 ± 0.4 mmol/L; P = .012). Enterex Diabetic compared with Glucerna SR showed a greater change of the glucose concentration from 0 to 120 minutes (–0.7 ± 0.6 vs –0.0± 0.4 mmol/L; P = .002). Administration of Enterex Diabetic decreased insulin concentrations at 120 minutes (60 ± 18 vs 48 ± 19 pmol/L; P = .013). Administration of Glucerna SR increased triglyceride concentration at 120 minutes (1.0 ± 0.3 vs 1.1 ± 0.4 mmol/L; P = .026). Conclusion: A single administration of Enterex Diabetic in healthy individuals decreased glucose and insulin concentrations at 120 minutes without any modification in triglyceride levels.