Tube Feeding with a Diabetes-Specific Enteral Formula Improves Glycemic Control in Severe Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients

Background Glycemic control is essential for managing acute stroke. This study evaluated the impact of a diabetes-specific formula (DSF) on glycemic control in severe acute ischemic stroke patients. Methods A randomized, prospective controlled trial was conducted in Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital. Acute ischemic stroke patients who scored > 10 on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale as well as had swallowing problems were randomized to group A, which received a diabetes-specific enteral formula, and group B, which received a standard formula. Glycemic parameters were assessed at baseline and 7 days after admission. Results One hundred four patients were enrolled in the study (group A, 53; group B, 51). Postprandial glucose parameters, including capillary glucose concentration from 8 hours to 16 hours after enteral nutrition (EN) consumption, incremental areas under the curve (iAUC0-16 h ), peak value, and mean glucose concentration, were significantly lower in group A than in group B following a 7-day intervention period. Moreover, changes in HOMAIR after the 7-day treatment were significantly higher in group A than in group B. No significant difference in the incidence of hypoglycemia, glycemic variability parameters, or nutrition parameters was found between the 2 groups, either at baseline or after treatment. There were no serious adverse events observed during the study. Conclusion A diabetes-specific formula may improve acute-term glycemic control in severe acute ischemic stroke patients.