Whey-based enteral nutrition and its effect on glycemic variability in intensive care

Background: The most patients in intensive care experience hyperglycemia. These may include patients with pre-existing diabetes or stress hyperglycemia as an organism's offense reaction. Our aim is not only to correct this hyperglycemia early by a reserve, but also to prevent acceleration of hyperglycemia above their commended level. In addition to insulin, the correct choice of enteral nutrition can prevent not only hyperglycemia but also glycemic variability, which seems to be a much greater risk for these patients than stable tolerable hyperglycemia. In addition to diabetic-specific formulas, whey-based enteral nutrition can support our pursuit of optimal glycemia, due to its insulinotropic effect and its ability to stimulate incretin release. Much evidence will still be needed to confirm these benefits, but we can already look at whey not only as a source of quality protein, but also as a diet with a potential to limit glycemic variability. Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of enteral nutrition based on whey (Peptamen Intense) on parameters associated with the assessment of glycemia in intensive care patients. Assess whether there is a relationship between the variables and draw conclusions with possible application in practice. Methods: Thirty-seven patients were..