Private MD News

New product helps diabetics improve blood sugar control

Category: Diabetes

A team of researchers has shown that diabetics can improve blood test scores by utilizing a specially formulated meal replacement product. The findings suggest that it may be possible for individuals to normalize their blood sugar levels without losing any weight.

Researchers from the German Diabetes and Health Centre assessed the ability of a product known as Almased to control glucose levels. The meal replacement is made of soy, yogurt and honey.

The results showed that individuals who used the product were able to decrease the amount of insulin they needed each day, improve long-term blood sugar control test scores, lose weight and improve cholesterol test scores.

The team said the findings are timely given the rising rates of type 2 diabetes around the world. The condition is becoming increasingly common and is extremely expensive to treat, but diabetics may be able to completely eliminate their need for insulin, which could help hold down costs.

"Some people will be surprised that patients could stop insulin completely; we need to change the thinking that once insulin is started there is no way to stop it," said lead researcher Stephan Martin.