Malnutrition in diabetic patients: how should it be managed?
The statistics on diabetes paint an alarming picture of public health: in 2021, 9.8% of the world’s adults, or 540 million people, were suffering from the disease. The predicted trend in these figures is equally worrying: 643 million adults in 2030 and 783 million in 2045 could be affected by diabetes[1]. However, a parallel development may provide reassurance: consumers are showing a growing interest in managing their health and are adopting a more preventive approach to certain metabolic problems, such as diabetes. At Laïta Nutrition, we are fully aware of the importance of these health issues and are committed to using our expertise to help improve them.
Diabetes, one of the leading causes of death worldwide
Diabetes is a well-known public health issue and a major cause of blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, strokes and amputations.[2] The disease remains one of the leading causes of death: in 2021, it led to 6.7 million deaths worldwide.1
There are 541 million adults with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), which means that just as many people are exposed to type 2 diabetes and its extremely harmful consequences. It is therefore vital to manage this condition.
How can diabetes be managed?
Besides the general health of the population, managing diabetes is also necessary from the point of view of healthcare expenditure. The disease alone accounts for nearly $966 billion in expenditure, a figure that has more than tripled over the last 15 years.1
Although awareness and understanding of diabetes among the general public is increasing, there is still room for improvement. Education on this subject should focus in particular on what blood sugar is and the importance of controlling it.
In practical terms, preventing diabetes is also directly linked to lifestyle. Priority should be given to a healthy diet, regular physical activity, controlling obesity and reducing tobacco and alcohol consumption.
Laïta Nutrition’s expertise helps diabetic patients overcome malnutrition
Diabetes has an impact on people’s lifestyles, and malnutrition is common among people affected by the disease. At Laïta Nutrition, with our expertise in clinical nutrition, our aim is to help make sufferers’ daily lives easier and contribute to the nutritional management of the illness. Our range includes a number of products for diabetics and people with blood sugar problems, to be used under medical supervision. They come in either powder or liquid form and are practical and easy to consume.
Because diabetes is characterised by high blood-sugar levels (or hyperglycaemia), our formula is designed with a low glycaemic index. Its properties are due to its protein and fibre composition, which is tailored to consumers. It also contains a special blend of carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals.
Our low-glycaemic-index product formulas provide comprehensive nutrition and can be used as a meal replacement or snack. Besides paying close attention to the glycaemic index, we have also ensured that we meet the requirements of a full meal with appropriate quantities of micronutrients, high-quality proteins and a focus on providing a filling product. And because eating should also be a pleasure, patients can choose between plain or a variety of flavours.
Laïta Nutrition, supporting the development of foods for special medical purposes
As this example illustrates, Laïta Nutrition has developed comprehensive technical expertise in the formulation and processing of complex products in powder and liquid form, and can therefore support you in your projects.
Our expertise in formulation is backed by a personalised development methodology and a dedicated R&D team. We can advise on and manage the development of foods for special medical purposes for clinical nutrition (malnutrition, malnutrition in diabetic patients, dysphagia, other metabolic diseases) as well as infant, dietary and sports nutrition.
Our diverse range of technologies, both pilot and industrial, and our technical expertise allow us to produce product models and prototypes, while our production facilities guarantee optimum quality in compliance with international food safety standards. In addition, our mastery of highly specific processes ensures product traceability and food safety: Laïta Nutrition plants are FSSC 22000 certified.
[1] IDF Diabetes Atlas, 2021
[2] WHO, Diabetes, https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/diabetes
