Effect of a diabetes-specific formula in non-diabetic inpatients with stroke: a randomized controlled trial

Effect of a diabetes-specific formula in non-diabetic inpatients with stroke: a randomized controlled trial

Background/Objectives:

In patients with acute stroke, high blood sugar levels have been linked to more severe symptoms and limited recovery. This study aimed to assess the impact of a specialized diabetes-specific liquid nutrition on blood sugar levels, other health problems, and mortality in patients with their first stroke who required complete liquid nutrition.

Methods:

This was a planned, randomized controlled trial. Patients with acute stroke who did not have diabetes and needed a feeding tube were included. The study was registered with code NCT03422900. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either a standard formula (control group) or a diabetes-specific formula (experimental group) with low glycemic index carbohydrates, fiber (80% soluble), and higher fat content. Blood glucose levels, hyperglycemia during nutrition, HbA1c, insulin use, ability to resume eating by mouth, length of hospital stay, and 30-day mortality were recorded, along with any nutrition-related complications during the hospital stay.

Results:

A total of 52 patients were involved, with an average age of 77.44 years; 65.4% had ischemic stroke, and the average National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) was 19. The control group had a higher occurrence of hyperglycemia on the 5th day of nutrition (65% vs 35%, p < 0.01). The control group also had a higher risk of developing hyperglycemia and a lower rate of resuming oral intake compared to the experimental group.

Conclusions:

Using a diabetes-specific liquid formula in non-diabetic stroke patients reduced the risk of high blood sugar and improved the ability to resume eating by mouth. This trial was registered under ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier no. NCT03422900.

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