Additional Insulin for Coping with Fat- and Protein-Rich Meals in Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes: The Protein Unit.

OBJECTIVE: Dietary proteins raise blood glucose levels; dietary fats delay this rise. We sought to assess the insulin amount required to normalize glucose levels after a fat- and protein-rich meal (FPRM). METHODS: Sixteen adolescents (5 female) with type 1 diabetes (median age: 18.2 years; range: 15.2-24.0; duration: 7.1 years; 2.3-14.3; HbA1c: 7.2%; 6.2-8.3%) were included. FPRM (carbohydrates 57 g; protein 92 g; fat 39 g; fibers 7 g; calories 975 Kcal) was served in the evening, with 20 or 40% extra insulin compared to a standard meal (SM) (carbohydrates 70 g; protein 28 g; fat 19 g; fibers 10 g; calories 579 Kcal) or carbohydrates only. Insulin was administered for patients on intensified insulin therapy or as a 4-hour-delayed bolus for those on pump therapy. The 12-hour post-meal glucose levels were compared between FPRM and SM, with the extra insulin amount calculated based on 100 g proteins as a multiple of the carbohydrate unit. RESULTS: Glucose levels (median, mg/dL) 12-hour post-meal with 20% extra insulin vs. 40% vs. insulin dose for SM were 116 vs. 113 vs. 91. Glucose-AUC over 12-hour post-meal with 20% extra insulin vs. 40% vs. insulin dose for SM was 1603 mg/dL/12 h vs. 1527 vs. 1400 (no significance). Glucose levels in the target range with 20% extra insulin vs. 40% were 60% vs. 69% (p=0.1). Glucose levels <60 mg/dL did not increase with 40% extra insulin. This corresponds to the 2.15-fold carbohydrate unit for 100 g protein. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend administering the same insulin dose given for 1 carbohydrate unit (10 g carbs) to cover 50 g protein.

Higher glucose concentrations following protein- and fat-rich meals - the Tuebingen Grill Study: a pilot study in adolescents with type 1 diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: Traditionally insulin dosage is focused on the carbohydrate amount of meals. We investigated the influence of a fat- and protein-rich meal in the evening on glucose concentration over night in adolescents with type 1 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Fifteen patients, mean age 16.8 [standard deviation (SD) 2.9] yr participated in the study. Mean glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was 6.9 (range: 6.0-8.9) %. On two consecutive days the patients received a standard meal (SM) and a fat-protein-rich evening meal (FPRM). The carbohydrate amount remained identical and insulin was adjusted to this carbohydrate amount with the individual carbohydrate bolus. Glucose was measured continuously over night with the Enlite sensor and the Guardian system (Medtronic) during the following 12 h after the meal. RESULTS: Glucose area under the curve (AUC) for SM was 1400 (SD 580) mg/dL/12 h and for FPRM 1968 (SD 394) mg/dL/12 h (p < 0.05). There was a significant difference in the AUC between 4 and 12 h after the meal. Maximal AUC difference was 6 h after the meal. Glucose concentration in the morning (12 h after the meal) differed: 91 (SD 34) mg/dL after SM and 153 (SD 60) mg/dL after FPRM (p < 0.05). For SM 31% of glucose level were <80 mg/dL and 24% >150 mg/dL, for FPRM it was 3 and 48%. CONCLUSIONS: Twelve hours after a FPRM glucose concentration is significantly higher. Dietary counseling should include the effect of protein and fat on glucose levels in adolescents with type 1 diabetes. The data indicate clearly a need for additional insulin for fat-protein-rich meals.