Medical Foods for Diabetics

Medical Food for Diabetes Patients

Medical food refers to food produced for therapeutic purposes through nutritional therapy. It is a complete diet containing primary nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, secondary nutrients like vitamins and minerals, and other components such as fiber. Medical food is suitable for children or adults who are ill and experiencing malnutrition or are at risk of malnutrition. This includes infants with abnormalities who cannot consume breast milk, patients with liver disease, kidney disease, or diabetes patients who require medical food to control blood sugar levels, regulate other nutrients in the body, or substitute for nutrients from certain foods that cannot be consumed normally.

Consequently, medical food for diabetes patients restricts certain nutrients so that diabetic individuals can eat and receive complete nutrition without negatively impacting their blood sugar levels.

How Does Medical Food Differ from Regular Food? Medical food is manufactured specifically to meet nutritional needs, helping patients receive complete, nutritionally accurate, and health-safe nourishment. Unlike regular food, medical food typically comes in powder form for reconstitution or as ready-to-drink liquids, making it accessible for patients with chewing or swallowing difficulties or those unable to feed themselves.

Types of Medical Food Since medical food is produced with the objective of serving as a therapeutic option through medical nutrition therapy, it can be divided into three categories for comprehensive and targeted treatment:

1. Medical Food for Infants and Children Specialized formulas or milk products created to replace nutrition for infants or children with medical conditions who cannot consume standard formulas or breast milk, thereby preventing malnutrition.
2. Complete or Standard Medical Food Formulas Can be used as a primary meal or a meal supplement to ensure the body receives adequate nutrients. This category includes complete formulas for both children and adults.
3. Disease-Specific Medical Food Formulas Developed for patients who cannot absorb certain nutrients or need to restrict specific nutrients that affect their medical condition. This includes foods for diabetes patients, kidney disease patients, liver disease patients, and high-protein medical formulas.

Benefits of Diabetes-Control Foods Choosing medical food for diabetes patients plays a vital role in ensuring the body receives complete nutritional sustenance and health benefits that do not interfere with their medical condition, including:

• Regulating hormone functions affecting sugar levels: Enhances the secretion of insulin—the hormone that manages blood sugar balance—and reduces the secretion of glucagon, which raises blood sugar levels.
• Providing adequate energy for the body: Ideal for dietary management and maintaining weight within the normal range.
• Reducing the risk of complications: Designed to provide precise, appropriate nutrients and energy without added sugars or ingredients that could provoke diabetic complications.

How to Choose Appropriate Medical Food for Diabetes Patients To maximize the health benefits of using medical food alongside diabetes treatment, consider the following factors before purchasing diabetes-control formulas or milk powders:

• Choose medical foods with a low glycemic index (GI): The glycemic index should range between 19 and 50, depending on the body’s requirements.
• Appropriate nutrient ratios: Carbohydrate proportion should be 40–55%, protein 15–20%, and fat 30–40%, respectively.
• Consult with a physician or nutrition specialist: Discussing appropriate proportions ensures that the chosen product aligns with proper nutritional guidelines, delivers health benefits, and effectively manages blood sugar levels.

ONCE PRO: The Medical Food Designed for Diabetes Patients ONCE PRO is a medical food tailored for diabetes management, featuring a low glycemic index, rich and complete nutritional content, and the following prominent properties:

• Blood sugar control: Features a low glycemic load of 6.6 and a low glycemic index of 27, ensuring a slow and gradual release of sugar.
• No added sucrose and lactose-free with complete nutrition: Individuals with high blood sugar or lactose intolerance can receive complete nutrition without health concerns.
• Rich in high-quality, easily digestible proteins: Contains Whey Protein Isolate (WPI) from cow’s milk and Soy Protein Isolate (SPI), which help maintain bone health, build muscle mass, and supply essential amino acids.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can diabetics consume starches or sugars? ▶ Diabetics can consume starches or sugars, but strict portion control is necessary, along with choosing the right types to prevent blood sugar spikes. Furthermore, consuming high-fiber foods plays a vital role because fiber slows down the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, causing post-meal blood sugar levels to rise gradually. “Medical food” refers to specialized formulas designed to be nutritionally complete and tailored to the health status or specific diseases of patient groups, such as diabetics, kidney patients, or those needing extra nutritional support. Medical foods feature adjusted proportions of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and fiber to suit patient needs. Additionally, these specialized formulas are backed by medical research to ensure safety and real-world efficacy. Thus, medical food for diabetics containing fiber to help control blood sugar is an effective option for managing blood sugar levels alongside appropriate daily dietary choices.
• What complications can diabetes lead to? ▶ If blood sugar levels are poorly controlled, patients may develop complications such as heart disease, chronic kidney failure, diabetic retinopathy, or chronic foot ulcers. Selecting appropriate diabetes-control foods helps reduce these risks.
• Can diabetics consume protein? ▶ Yes, but they should choose high-quality, healthy protein sources such as fish, skinless chicken, egg whites, soybeans, and medical foods for diabetics utilizing soy protein isolate and milk whey protein, allowing the body to get protein without excessively raising blood sugar.
• Can diabetics drink soy milk? ▶ Yes, but they should choose sugar-free formulas or those specifically designed for diabetes patients—such as medical foods with a low glycemic index and controlled carbohydrate content.
• Which brand of medical food is best for diabetes? ▶ When choosing medical food for diabetes, consider quality, safety, and trusted manufacturing sources. Medical food from Thai Otsuka is a doctor-recommended option because it contains specialized fiber that helps control blood sugar well, has a low glycemic index, provides complete energy, and serves as a suitable meal for diabetics needing blood sugar management.
• What should diabetes patients eat? ▶ They should choose foods containing complex carbohydrates, high fiber, high-quality proteins, and healthy fats—such as avocados, sea fish, and nutritional products from Thai Otsuka—to help maintain physical balance and blood sugar levels.
• Where can I buy ONCE PRO and how much does it cost? ▶ ONCE PRO is priced around 850 baht per can (850-gram size). It is available at pharmacies, hospitals, and online official stores:
  • Lazada: Otsuka Official Store
  • Shopee: Thai Otsuka Official
  • Facebook: Thai Otsuka Nutrition Club
  • LINE OA: @thaiotsuka
  • Instagram: @thaiotsuka
• When should ONCE PRO be consumed / How many scoops to mix / Can it control sugar? ▶ Consume 1–2 times per day or as recommended by a physician. Mix approximately 6 measuring scoops (about 31 grams) with 200 ml of room-temperature, warm, or cold water, and stir well. It should be consumed between meals to help control blood sugar levels and supply essential nutrients.
• What are the ingredients in ONCE PRO medical food? ▶ The primary ingredients include Whey Protein Isolate, Soy Protein Isolate, various types of fiber, essential vitamins, and minerals, with no added table sugar. It is formulated for diabetes patients requiring complete nutrition and optimal blood sugar control.
• Who is ONCE PRO suitable for / Can healthy individuals consume it? ▶ ONCE PRO is a medical food for diabetes patients that can also be consumed by healthy individuals who wish to manage their blood sugar levels, boost energy, and look after their daily health.

📌 For more information:

• Facebook: Thai Otsuka Nutrition Club
• LINE OA: @thaiotsuka
• Instagram: @thaiostuka
• Where to buy: Hospitals and pharmacies nationwide, or online via Otsuka Official Store on Lazada and Shopee.

Medical foods must be used under medical supervision.

1. เพิ่มรายละเอียดใต้ผลิตภัณฑ์ หน้า https://thaiotsukanutrition.club/en/product-category/liver-patients/

Medical Food for Liver Disease Patients

The liver is a vital organ that acts as the metabolic center and detoxification hub of the body, handling tasks such as processing nutrients, storing energy, and eliminating waste. When abnormalities occur, such as hepatitis or cirrhosis, the liver’s functional capacity diminishes.

Choosing to consume medical food for liver disease patients is a starting point for selecting nutrition that is appropriate for the body.

The appropriate diets for each type of liver condition are as follows:

Hepatitis

Hepatitis patients should focus on receiving adequate amounts of energy and protein to help repair damaged liver cells. They should choose high-quality proteins such as fish, eggs, or plant-based proteins, while reducing high-fat and excessively sugary foods, which can increase the liver’s metabolic workload.

Liver Cirrhosis

For patients with cirrhosis, it is necessary to exercise caution regarding sodium to reduce the risk of fluid retention or ascites (abdominal swelling), as well as to carefully consider the amount and type of protein to prevent the accumulation of waste in the body. This should always be done under the guidance of a physician or nutritionist.

What Are Liver-Nourishing Foods? 5 Food Groups That Help Regenerate Liver Cells

• Complex Carbohydrates: These are slow-digesting energy sources, such as brown rice or whole grains, which provide a steady supply of energy without burdening the metabolic system.
• Lean and Plant-Based Protein: Protein is essential for repairing liver cells. Low-fat protein sources like fish, tofu, or beans should be chosen in appropriate amounts.
• Green Leafy and Cruciferous Vegetables: These groups are rich in antioxidants and dietary fiber, supporting liver function and the digestive system.
• Healthy Fats (Omega-3 Fatty Acids): Found in fish such as salmon or deep-sea fish, they help reduce inflammation and support overall health.

Medical Food for Liver Disease

In cases where patients cannot eat enough food, medical food for liver disease can be an alternative choice to help them receive appropriate energy and nutrients under the guidance of medical personnel.

Why Choose Medical Food Specifically for Liver Disease?

Liver disease patients often face limitations in digesting and metabolizing nutrients. Choosing medical food for liver disease patients, which is designed with appropriate nutrient proportions—such as easily digestible proteins and sufficient energy—helps reduce the liver’s workload and effectively supports nutritional status.

Summary

Nutritional care for liver disease patients requires an understanding of the disease condition and the appropriate nutritional balance for each individual. Therefore, selecting suitable foods, including considering the use of medical food for liver disease when necessary, should always be done in consultation with a doctor.

Advantages of Medical Food for Liver Disease Patients

• Features nutrient proportions appropriate for the disease condition.
• Helps provide sufficient energy in cases of low food intake.
• Provides protein in a form that the body can utilize easily.
• Reduces complexity in daily meal planning.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Liver Disease Diet and Nutrition

• What are liver disease patients forbidden to eat? ▶ They should avoid alcoholic beverages, raw foods, fermented foods, and foods high in saturated fats, as these can increase the liver’s workload.
• What is the appropriate diet for liver disease patients? ▶ Foods that are easy to digest, contain moderate amounts of protein, and offer complete nutrition, adjusted according to the recommendations of a physician or dietitian.
• What should liver disease patients focus on consuming in particular? ▶ They should focus on receiving adequate energy and protein to prevent malnutrition and help maintain muscle mass, especially those experiencing a loss of appetite.
• Why should liver disease patients receive specialized medical food formulas? ▶ When liver function decreases, the body may have difficulty handling certain types of protein. Medical food for liver disease patients is designed with appropriate amino acid proportions to support nutrition and reduce the liver’s workload. This should be used under the guidance of a physician or dietitian.
• How are BCAA amino acids important for individuals with liver problems? ▶ Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) are amino acids that the body can utilize directly in the muscles, playing a role in supporting nutrition and preserving muscle mass in liver disease patients. They should be consumed in appropriate amounts as recommended by a physician or dietitian.
• Can medical food for liver disease replace main meals? ▶ It can be consumed as a supplement between meals or used as a primary nutritional source to replace main meals in cases where patients can eat very little normal food. This should be done under the guidance of a physician or dietitian.
• Do patients with liver cirrhosis need to completely avoid protein? ▶ Liver disease patients should not completely avoid protein, as this can lead to malnutrition and a loss of muscle mass. However, the type and amount of protein should be carefully selected. Especially for patients with complications, a physician or dietitian should be consulted before making dietary adjustments.
• Who is medical food for liver disease suitable for? ▶ Products in this category are suitable for individuals with impaired liver function, cirrhosis patients, or patients with hepatic encephalopathy who require specialized nutritional care. They should be used under the supervision of medical personnel.
• Can liver disease medical food formulas be given through a feeding tube? ▶ Some medical food formulas can be used for tube feeding in addition to oral consumption. Product labels should be checked, and medical personnel should assess suitability before use.
• What is the correct way to prepare powdered medical food? ▶ Powdered medical food should be mixed with water according to the proportions specified on the label, using boiled water that has cooled down or room-temperature water. Avoid using very hot water to prevent alteration of nutrients. Once mixed, it should be consumed immediately or stored according to the product label’s instructions.
• Is medical food for liver disease difficult to taste? ▶ Modern medical food formulas have been developed to have more palatable aromas and flavors, making it easier for patients experiencing a loss of appetite to consume them comfortably and receive adequate nutrition.
• If a liver disease patient has other underlying conditions like diabetes, can they consume medical food? ▶ Each medical food formula has different proportions of carbohydrates and nutrients. If a patient has other underlying conditions, they should consult a physician or dietitian before starting consumption to evaluate the appropriate formula and quantity for their physical condition.
• Why choose standardized medical food for liver disease? ▶ Standardized medical food undergoes research and manufacturing processes with quality control to ensure patients receive appropriate nutrient amounts and consistent quality. Therefore, standardized products should be chosen and used under the guidance of medical personnel.

Medical foods must be used under medical supervision.