[당뇨병 교육을 위한 정보광장] : 당뇨병 환자를 위한 경구영양보충음료의 사용

Dietary counseling and oral nutritional supplements (ONS) should be considered to increase the nutritional intake of people malnourished or at risk of malnutrition. These supplements are typically ready-made liquids and contain a balanced mix of energy, protein, and micronutrients. The diabetes-specific ONS are specifically designed for patients with hyperglycemia or diabetes mellitus in order to provide better glycemic control such as postprandial glucose and HbA1c compared to the standard ONS. These supplements are lower in carbohydrates and higher in fat than standard supplements and are rich in monounsaturated fats. Using diabetes-specific ONS in malnourished diabetic patients can allow increasing energy intake while maintaining glucose control and improving nutritional status and also providing economic benefits. However, inadequate intake of ONS that do not fit the patient`s condition can be a problem. Therefore, when using ONS for patients with diabetes, it is necessary to clinically evaluate the nutritional status of the patient and to provide individualized education and management accordingly.