Ingesting a macronutrient supplement before a meal: can it reduce blood glucose levels after a meal?

This study examined the effect of a macronutrient preload (supplement) on blood glucose levels after a meal in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Postprandial blood glucose levels are the sugar levels in the blood after an individual has eaten a meal. When postprandial glucose levels are high in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), patients have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the future. CVD is the narrowing or blockage of blood vessels that can lead to heart failure or stroke. Therefore, strategies that reduce high blood glucose levels after a meal can reduce the risk of CVD.

Diet can play an important role in postprandial blood glucose levels. Foods with a low glycemic index (GI) release energy slowly and do not cause a sharp increase in blood glucose levels. Macronutrients are nutrients that provide energy (carbohydrates, fat and protein). It is thought that ingesting a low-GI macronutrient preload (supplement taken before a meal) might prevent an increase in postprandial blood glucose levels.

This study aimed to determine the effect of a macronutrient preload supplement on postprandial blood glucose levels in T2D patients.

This study involved 30 T2D patients. Participants ingested the Inzone Preload (a supplement that consists of 43% protein, 29% carbohydrate, 10% fat and 9% fiber) 30 minutes before each meal for 12 weeks. Blood glucose levels were measured before and after the meal. Postprandial blood glucose levels measured before beginning the 12 week program were compared to postprandial blood glucose levels measured at the end of the 12 weeks.

Postprandial blood glucose levels were lower at the end of the 12 weeks (10.5 mmol/L) compared to the start of the study (12.2 mmol/L). The HbA1c (average blood glucose levels over three months) was lower at the end of the 12 weeks (7.1%) compared to the start (7.4%). The average cholesterol (fat that builds up in blood vessels) levels were lower at the end of the program (4.3 mmol/L) compared to before (4.8 mmol/L). 43% of participants had greater than 3% reduction on body weight at the end of the program. Satiety feelings (feeling full) were greater after Inzone Preload.

This study concluded that a macronutrient preload supplement can reduce the increase in postprandial blood glucose levels and cholesterol levels in T2D patients.

This study did not include a control group. A control group would have allowed the authors to compare the Inzone Preload group to a group who did not receive the preload.

Consult your physician regarding the risks and benefits of a macronutrient preload supplement to reduce postprandial blood glucose levels.