[Experience with an enteral diet with fiber and a high fat content in ICU patients with glucose intolerance]

Abstract

The use of EN in diabetics is problematic due to the rapid absorption of the nutrients and difficulties in controlling glycemia. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical tolerance and effects of a special diet for patients unable to tolerate glucose on glycemia and insulin requirements, containing 50% of its caloric intake in the form of fats (mainly monounsaturated fatty acids) and a high fibre content. This diet was used on a group of Intensive Care patients with stress diabetes, comparing it to a high protein diet in terms of Nitrogen Balance and evolution of circulating proteins. 35 patients admitted to Intensive Care with traumas or sepsis were studied. The patients received EN for a period of 14 days. They were divided into two groups at random. Group A received a high protein diet and Group B the special diet for patients with intolerance to glucose. In Group A, the levels of glycemia and insulin requirements were significantly higher than those of Group B. There were no significant differences in albumin, transferrin, prealbumin and RBP levels in both groups. Cholesterol levels remained normal, although on day 14 they were higher in Group B patients. Group A patients had higher triglyceride levels. The nitrogen balance was only higher on days 6 and 7 in Group A patients, with and accumulated Balance for the 14 days of 11.54 +/- 3.5 g. In Group A compared to 6.24 +/- 2.63 g. in Group B. Clinical tolerance to the diet was satisfactory, with the usual problems in critical patients.