KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 16 – Abbott has introduced a new formulation, called Glucerna, for people with diabetes to keep blood glucose levels on target in four weeks.
Abbott noted that even as diabetes affects 3.9 million adults in Malaysia, a survey conducted by the health care company found that 96 per cent of 158 respondents experienced “diabetes burnout” – a state of emotional or physical exhaustion caused by feeling frustrated and overwhelmed by the burden of diabetes self-management, and want to be empowered over their diet.
“Poor glucose control is a major problem among people living with diabetes in Malaysia, as many of them lack knowledge on how dietary behaviour and even slight changes in their eating plan can negatively impact diabetes management ,” said Dr Norlaila Mustafa, a consultant physician and endocrinologist, and head of department at Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, in a statement.
“Therefore, keeping blood glucose levels on target can prevent or delay the onset of complications such as blindness, kidney disease and heart disease.”
Diabetes burnout in individuals with diabetes has been shown to result in poor adherence, reduced self-care and poor glucose control, according to Abbott. More than three-fourths of survey respondents said that maintaining a healthy weight and following a healthy diet were the two main stressors.
The top two aspects of dietary management that cause the most stress are following a diet suitable for people with diabetes (72 per cent) and keeping count of calories or carbohydrates daily (73 per cent).
“Stress can affect diabetes control, therefore managing the emotional and psychological state is as important as managing glucose readings,” said Professor Dr Winnie Chee from the department of nutrition & dietetics at International Medical University.
“People with diabetes are often burdened by many aspects of self-care, particularly dietary choices. Knowing the ‘right’ foods to eat that will not raise their blood sugar is a formidable challenge for most individuals. Diet control plays a key role in managing diabetes and delaying complications, hence a multidisciplinary healthcare team which includes a dietitian can assist people with diabetes learn how to eat well with less stress and better manage their diabetes.”
Abbott’s survey showed that respondents want to be more empowered over their diet – with solutions that help reduce the stress of following a diabetes-specific diet. The two solutions respondents found to be most useful were convenient and affordable diabetes-friendly meals (88 per cent) and diabetes-specific supplements to replace meals or snacks (91 per cent).
“Diabetes-specific formulas are a simple and convenient solution to help those living with diabetes adjust their lifestyle,” said Dr Nina Mazera Mohd Said, medical director for the nutrition business, Abbott in Malaysia.
“For over 30 years, Abbott has studied and developed nutrition formulas specifically for people with diabetes. The new formulated Glucerna makes it easier for people with diabetes to be in control of their glucose management in as early as four weeks.”
The new Glucerna with improved formulation is suitable for individuals with pre-diabetes, diabetes and gestational diabetes, said Abbott. It is the only diabetes-specific formula in Malaysia with wheat flavour.
The new Glucerna offers a new and improved low glycemic carbohydrate system and four times more of the nutrient myo-inositol to help manage blood sugar; dual fibre and unique lipid blends to help maintain a healthy digestive system; and increased levels of vitamin D, calcium, zinc and iron to help meet the nutritional needs of people with diabetes.
