Increased insulinogenic indexes after liquid food (Inslow) intake in subjects with impaired glucose tolerance and type-2 diabetes: a randomised controlled trial

Background: A carbohydrate adjusted liquid formula (Inslow) containing palatinose as the major (>50%) carbohydrate ingredient was developed. Longterm (3-5 months) consumption of Inslow was reported to improve glycemic control by reducing the postprandial plasma glucose levels of subjects with diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). The present study aimed to elucidate the mechanism of postprandial glycaemic responses. Methods: Two randomised crossover studies with a washout period of 1 week were conducted in 12 patients with type 2 diabetes, 13 subjects with IGT, and 11 healthy people. Before and after intake of Inslow or the standard balanced formula, plasma glucose, insulin and free fatty acid concentrations were determined. Results: Compared with intake of the standard balanced formula, consumption of Inslow significant lowered the peak values of plasma glucose and increased the insulinogenic indexes in each group. Especially in the subjects with IGT, the increase in plasma insulin concentration was greater in the Inslow group than in the standard balanced formula group. Conclusions: Intake of Inslow increased the insulinogenic indexes, which contributes to preventing postprandial hyperglycemia without altering the amount of total energy, preventing the transition from normal glucose tolerance to IGT and then to overt type 2 diabetes. Trial registration: Current controlled trials NCT02641743. Registered 31 December 2015 in clinicaltrials.gov.