From the Research
For patients with diabetes mellitus and esophageal cancer, the best nutritional shakes are those specifically formulated for diabetes management while providing adequate nutrition for cancer support, such as Glucerna, Boost Glucose Control, and Ensure Diabetes Care, which contain lower carbohydrates, higher protein, and are designed to minimize blood sugar spikes, as supported by the most recent evidence 1. When selecting nutritional shakes for these patients, it is essential to consider their specific dietary needs, including lower carbohydrate and higher protein content to manage blood sugar levels and support tissue repair and immune function.
- Key characteristics of suitable nutritional shakes include:
- Lower carbohydrate content to minimize blood sugar spikes
- Higher protein content (15-20 grams per serving) to support tissue repair and immune function
- Slow-release carbohydrates to help regulate blood sugar levels
- Essential vitamins and minerals to support overall nutrition
- Patients should aim for 1-3 servings of these shakes daily, depending on their individual caloric needs and ability to consume other foods, and monitor their blood glucose levels regularly when incorporating these supplements into their diet, as recommended by recent studies 1. The use of metformin, as shown in a recent meta-analysis 1, may also have a protective effect on esophageal cancer patients with diabetes, reducing the risk of esophageal cancer and improving overall survival.
- The benefits of these specialized nutritional shakes and potential adjunctive therapies like metformin should be considered in the context of individual patient needs and overall treatment plans, taking into account the latest evidence and guidelines 2, 3.