Critical Qualities of Enteral Formulas for Patients with Diabetes Posted on March 15, 2018 | by Functional Developer | Leave a Comment on Critical Qualities of Enteral Formulas for Patients with Diabetes As a greater percentage of diabetes patients require enteral support for an additional disease or condition, the nutritional qualities of a formula are pivotal. While most enteral formulas are comprised of heavily refined carbohydrates (ranging from fruit juice concentrates to corn syrup solids) and industrially processed seed oils (corn, soybean, sunflower, and canola), there is only one whole food, high fermentable fiber, and no added sugar option. The qualities possessed by this type of formula are aligned with those recommended for the treatment and management of insulin resistance. Continue reading →
Should Sugar Be the Second Ingredient? A comparative look at enteral formulas designed for diabetes patients and why Liquid Hope is still the best. Posted on March 12, 2018 | by Functional Developer | Leave a Comment on Should Sugar Be the Second Ingredient? A comparative look at enteral formulas designed for diabetes patients and why Liquid Hope is still the best. Many RDs and clinicians ask us if Liquid hope is suitable for those with diabetes. Absolutely. I think the question is asked so frequently because Liquid Hope does not state anywhere on its package or in its literature that it is designed specifically for diabetes. In contrast, descriptions of commercial formulas such as Glucerna 1.2 and Diabetisource AC 1.2 contain language that clearly delineates them from other formulas. They are apparently formulated specific to the condition of diabetes and contain the appropriate ingredients and nutritional qualities. Really? Let’s take a closer look at what they are and what’s in them: Continue reading →
An Update on the Management of Gastroparesis Posted on July 31, 2017 | by Functional Developer | Leave a Comment on An Update on the Management of Gastroparesis Gastroparesis is a syndrome that results from delayed emptying of the stomach in the absence of a mechanical obstruction. It can be a very challenging problem with typical symptoms of nausea (93%), early satiety (60-86%), vomiting after meals (68—84%), bloating, and with upper abdominal pain (46-90%). The overall prevalence of gastroparesis is 9.6 per 100,000 men and 38 per 100,000 women. Motility of the stomach and gastrointestinal tract requires coordination of the nervous system, smooth muscles of the gut and specialized “pacemaker cells” known as interstitial cells of Cajal. These pacemaker cells play an important role of the synchronization of contractions of the stomach. Continue reading →