Vnitr Lek 2006, 52(10):979-982

Enteral nutrition in diabetes mellitus

Z. Rušavý

I. interní klinika Lékařské fakulty UK a FN Plzeň, přednosta doc. MUDr. Martin Matějovič, Ph.D.

In the last 15 years enteral nutrition has been getting ahead of parenteral nutrition. Enteral nutrition allows natural supply of nutrients, stimulates immunity, reduces overgrowth of intestinal microflora, reduces intestinal permeability, and has a positive effect on intestinal peristalsis. Substrates of enteral nutrition are nutritionally defined, low osmolar, and usually residual-free, do not contain lactose and gluten. A number of substances is flavoured, allowing continual drinking of the nutrition throughout the whole day. This mode of nutrition is increasingly used and referred to as sipping or drink feeding. Enteral nutrition is also suitable for diabetics, however, it is necessary to calculate with the amount of glucose contained in the nutritional solution. A suitable treatment strategy needs to be established through frequent glyceamia monitoring and calculating of consumed sugars in food and in the enteral nutrition with preferential utilisation of insulin treatment for its anabolic effect.

Keywords: enteral nutrition; diabetes mellitus; malnutrition; sipping; glycaemia

Received: September 21, 2006; Published: October 1, 2006  Show citation