Structured diet plan can help better manage type2 diabetes

A symposium hosted by healthcare company - Abbott in cooperation with the Vietnam Association of Diabetes and Endocrinology, international and Vietnamese experts in diabetes, endocrinology and nutrition today discussed the latest clinical studies and practices to help people manage their diabetes.

One of the latest studies discussed was on nutrition therapy and its role for managing the disease, particularly on blood sugar levels.

While nutrition therapy has been studied for many years, a new study named “Transcultural Diabetes-Specific Nutrition Algorithm (tDNA) has shown the promising result in improving the weight loss and HBA1c in Overweight and Obese Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus patients in a primary care clinic in Malaysia” found that a structured diet plan, including a diabetes-specific nutrition formula, was be more effective than standard care at managing blood sugar levels and body weight for people with diabetes.

In the tDNA study, researchers evaluated 230 people with Type2 diabetes, who were divided into two groups. One received standard care, and the other group followed the tDNA guidelines, which included1-2 servings of a diabetes-specific nutrition formula (Glucerna® made by Abbott) in conjunction with a daily low calorie meal plan.

Both groups received dietary counseling, 150-minutes of exercise per week and a monthly check-up. After six months, the tDNA group had lower blood sugar levels and body weights, on average, than the standard care group.

Specifically, the tDNA group decreased their blood sugar levels (HbA1c levels) by an average of 0.8 per cent compared to 0.2 per cent in the standard group.

The tDNA group also reduced their body weight by an average of 3.9 kilogrammes compared to 0.6 kilogrammes for the group who received standard care.

These results were achieved without increasing exercise, changing medications or undertaking behavioral changes.

Osama Hamdy, FACE medical director of the Obesity Clinical Programme at Joslin Clinic, and one of the lead investigators when the first global tDNA was created said, “It’s crucial for people with diabetes to have a plan that includes a balanced diet, medical treatment and regular exercise. But that nutrition plan can be customised to fit the culture and lifestyle you live, and it can have significant changes in your health outcomes.”

In another recent study, “Impact of diabetes specific enteral formula on Taiwanese ICU patients with Type 2 diabetes,” researchers found that the use of a diabetes-specific formula was associated with reducing the healthcare cost and mortality rates of people in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Conducted at the National Taiwan University Hospital from 2009 to 2013, the study showed that people in the ICU who received a diabetes-specific formula of Glucerna had a shorter length of stay (13 days compared to 15.1 days), lower healthcare costs of (18 per cent lower in total expenditure) and a lower mortality rate (5.1 per cent compared to 12.3 per cent) in comparison with the group who received a non-diabetes specific formula.

With this new research and advances in global nutrition practices, Abbott and the Vietnam Association of Diabetes and Endocrinology hope the symposium will help local healthcare professionals will continue to bring forth the latest advancements in managing diabetes --from when a person is first diagnosed to those who may be battling more long-term diseases.

Ling Claytor, Medical Director of Abbott, Nutrition Division, Asia Pacific said, “When a person is diagnosed with diabetes, it doesn’t mean they have to stop enjoying their favorite foods, or avoid meals that are part of their culture’s traditions. This is also what Abbott aims for as we design and develop our clinically proven nutritional solutions.”

The tDNA is an algorithm that creates a structured diet plan that fits your local lifestyle– from nutritional and cultural habits to genetics. Healthcare professionals can use tDNA to help people design a customised plan, which includes a balanced diet, exercise and a diabetes-specific nutrition therapy.

As the number of people with diabetes has increased 211 per cent in the past 10 years in Vietnam, more people are looking to manage their diabetes so they can continue to do the things they enjoy.

Ninety-one per cent of people with diabetes in Vietnam, however, claim that changing their eating habits is a real challenge, and only 21 per cent of them have used the diabetes-specific nutrition.