A pilot study shows that a protein-rich meal replacement made from soy, yogurt, and honey (Almased) helps patients with type 2 diabetes lose weight, gain better control of their blood sugar, and decrease their daily insulin dose. Patients in the study also lowered their body mass index (BMI), waist and hip circumference, and fasting glucose levels, while improving their HDL-cholesterol and triglycerides. The results were reported at the American Diabetes Association's 72nd Scientific Sessions.
"In light of the number of people with type 2 diabetes related to obesity, it's very important to investigate and explore any new tool that may have a positive effect on both weight and blood sugar," said Stephan Martin, MD, medical director of the West-German Diabetes and Health Centre in D-sseldorf, Germany, who conducted the study. "One of the most interesting findings to us was that Almased's positive effect on blood sugar was independent of its effect on weight loss."
Significant changes were seen at 12 weeks in the various study outcomes measured: