Differences in Postprandial Glucose Changes

An Intervention Comparing Changes in the Plasma Glucose Profile Over a Three-hour Timespan in Persons With T2DM Following Caribbean Shake vs Glucerna Intake: A Double Blinded, Cross-over Design

Following a meal, in nondiabetic individuals, blood glucose rises to peak at 1hr and returns to baseline in 2 - 3 hours. In T2DM, this peak is higher and prolonged. Meal plans for persons with T2DM should comprise evenly spaced, complex carbohydrate portions in order to avoid post-prandial glucose spikes. Researchers have developed an expanded line of Caribbean-flavoured, low-calorie meal-replacement shakes which have been formulated to match the macronutrient and caloric content of a commercially available brand. In this trial investigators aim to (1) examine the change in glucose levels post intake of Caribbean vs the commercially available brand and (2) to conduct a comparative sensory analysis of the two shakes.

The participants will be blinded to the intervention as the shakes will be given in unmarked containers - however as the flavours are very different it is likely that participants will be able to tell them apart. Data analysts will be blinded.

Participants will consume 1 bottle of shake 1 and take their normal morning medications. After this 3ml blood samples will be taken via the cannula at 30mins, 60mins and 120 mins post meal. During the waiting period between phlebotomy, a sensory analysis questionnaire which asks participants to rate the taste, appearance, texture and smell of the product. After a 1-week washout period, the entire protocol will be repeated using Shake 2.

Participants will consume 1 bottle of Shake 2 and take their normal morning medications. After this 3ml blood samples will be taken via the cannula at 30mins, 60mins and 120 mins post meal. During the waiting period between phlebotomy, a sensory analysis questionnaire which asks participants to rate the taste, appearance, texture and smell of the product. After a 1-week washout period, the entire protocol will be repeated using Shake 1.

Oral administration of Caribbean low-calorie meal-replacement shake then commercial low-calorie meal-replacement shake

Oral administration of commercial low-calorie meal-replacement shake then Caribbean low-calorie meal-replacement shake

Inclusion Criteria: A diagnosis of T2DM for any length of time, last HbA1C (within the last 6 months) of < / = 8% Exclusion Criteria: 1. On insulin for any length of time