Influence of a beta-glucan-enriched bedtime snack on nocturnal blood glucose levels in diabetic children.
BACKGROUND
The high prevalence of low nocturnal blood glucose levels is a major problem in the treatment of children with diabetes.


METHODS
The effect of a beta-glucan-enriched bedtime snack on nocturnal blood glucose levels was examined in comparison with an equicaloric conventional snack in 38 children with diabetes during a 12-night study period.


RESULTS
A significant influence of the type of bedtime snack on the blood glucose course until 2 AM could be observed (P < 0.05). However, there was no difference in the prevalence of nocturnal hypoglycemic blood glucose levels, which was 27% at 2 AM.


CONCLUSIONS
Silent nocturnal hypoglycemia is common in children with diabetes. The introduction of a fiber-enriched bedtime snack may flatten the blood glucose curve before midnight but cannot prevent low 2 AM blood glucose. Other therapeutic strategies that reduce the risk of asymptomatic and symptomatic nocturnal hypoglycemia would be beneficial to many children with diabetes.
Rami
B
B
Department of Paediatrics, University of Vienna, Austria.
Zidek
T
T
Schober
E
E
D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000187:drug effects*; D002648:Child; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004043:Dietary Fiber / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005936:Glucans / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D007003:Hypoglycemia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D013997:Time Factors
D001786:Blood Glucose; D004043:Dietary Fiber; D005936:Glucans