The
American Diabetes Association (ADA) has reported that the nutritional
supplement drinks SlimFast Shake, Ensure with Fiber, and
Glucerna Weight Loss Shake, do not meet the standards for
appropriate glycemic control in diabetics.
In the journal Diabetes, June 6, 2008, the ADA published
a study (1) showing that the most commonly used meal replacement
and nutritional supplement drinks do not have “favorable glycemic
profiles” in type 2 diabetics.
This came as a surprise to physicians who recommend the shakes to
their diabetic and obese patients. Since the published trials reveal
that the three leading supplement drinks are sub-standard, in terms
of glycemic control, diabetics, obese individuals, and those seeking
weight control, will need to re-evaluate their choices in the selection
of drink supplements.
In the trial, subjects ingested equal amounts of carbohydrates from
each of the three drinks. Blood glucose (BG) was examined at 0,
15, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 minutes. There was a significant
difference among the three supplements in the change in BG over
time. The SlimFast and Ensure drinks caused patients
to exceed the ADA’s recommended limit of 180 mg/dl (SlimFast
39%)(Ensure 39%). Glucerna elicited a lower glycemic response
than SlimFast and Ensure, but according to the
researchers, Glucerna “Is still not an ideal meal replacement
for all people with type 2 diabetes.”
Despite the presence of more fiber in the Ensure, the product
did not reflect acceptable ADA guidelines for glycemic control.
BAD NEWS FOR DIETERS
This data is not good news for the average person seeking weight
control. In non-diabetics and dieters, meal replacement and supplement
drinks that imbalance blood glucose levels cause adipose tissue
fat-storage via Lipoprotein Lipase (LPL).
(1)
Diabetes, 68th Scientific Sessions, June 6, 2008, Journal
of the American Diabetes Association, Glycemic Responses to
Nutritional Supplements in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Jain et
al;1696-P
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