The use of a nutritional formula with slow release carbohydrates can reduce the frequency and the depth of the hypoglycemic events in subjects with type 1 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Hypoglycemia is a frequent and often dramatic event in subjects with type 1 diabetes. It is also probable that an unrecognized nocturnal hypoglycemia may cause a marked variability of the fasting blood glucose. We used a nutritional formula with slow release carbohydrates represented by modified maltodextrins to reduce the risk of these events in 14 type 1 diabetic subjects. The continuous subcutaneous monitoring of interstitial glucose demonstrated a marked reduction in the number and depth of the hypoglycemic episodes throughout the 48 h when the formula was used versus the preceding 48 h.