Effect of nutritional preloads on glycaemia in type 2 diabetes
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Effect of Combined Intake of Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT) at Breakfast and Whey Protein Isolate (WPI) Preload at Lunch and Dinner on Diurnal Glucose and Satiety.
IRAS ID
286274
Contact name
Kostas Tsintzas
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Nestlé Health Science
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 5 months, 31 days
Research summary
Patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) present with high blood glucose (sugar) levels and resistance to the action of the hormone insulin, which is crucial in disposing circulating glucose into the tissues. The fluctuations in blood glucose levels are particularly prominent in the hours after consumption of food and are strongly associated with how well patients with T2D manage their blood sugar. The aim of the present research is to examine whether consuming small amounts of specific nutrients (whey protein and medium chain triglycerides [MCT]) before breakfast, lunch and dinner (a practice known as consumption of nutritional preloads) can lower the levels of blood sugar after each daily meal, and whether this could be sustained during the night in people with T2D. We will also determine whether those preloads can increase the feeling of fullness and reduce hunger for a period of time after consumption of food. Whey protein (a protein found in milk) and MCT (lipids that can be extracted and purified from coconut or palm kernel oil) are well-established food ingredients associated with a long history of safe consumption in humans. The study will recruit 21 individuals with T2D who are undergoing standard dietary controlled treatment or prescribed Metformin. The participants will be randomly allocated to receive 3 one-day treatments, at least 1 week apart. On one occasion, water will be ingested 30 min before breakfast, lunch and dinner (CONTROL trial). On the other 2 occasions, subjects will ingest either an MCT drink before breakfast and water before lunch and dinner (MCT trial) or an MCT drink before breakfast and a whey protein drink before lunch and dinner (COMBINED trial). We will measure each individual's daily and nocturnal fluctuations in blood sugar levels along with subjective and biological (blood) markers of fullness and hunger after the meals.
REC name
East Midlands - Nottingham 1 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/EM/0005
Date of REC Opinion
9 Mar 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion