A randomised controlled trial of additional bolus insulin using an insulin-to-protein ratio compared with insulin-to-carbohdrate ratio alone in people with type 1 diabetes following a carbohydrate-restricted diet

Aims

Postprandial hyperglycemia can be problematic for people with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) following carbohydrate-restricted diets. Bolus insulin calculated for meal protein plus carbohydrate may help. This study evaluated the effect of additional bolus insulin using an insulin-to-protein ratio (IPR) on glycaemic control.

Materials and methods

Participants with T1DM aged ≥18-years were randomly allocated (1:1) to either carbohydrate and protein-based, or carbohydrate-based insulin dosing alone for 12 weeks while following a carbohydrate-restricted diet (50-100 g/day). Measurement of HbA1c and continuous glucose monitoring occurred at baseline and 12 weeks, with assessment of participant experience at 12 weeks.

Results

Thirty-four participants were randomised, 22 female, mean(SD): age 39.2 years (12.6) years; diabetes duration 20.6 years (12.9); HbA1c 7.3 % (0.8), 56.7 mmol/mol (9.2). Seven in each group used insulin pump therapy. HbA1c reduced at 12 weeks with no difference between treatments: mean (SD) control 7.2 % (1.0), 55.7 mmol/mol (10.6); intervention 6.9 % (0.7), 52.3 mmol/mol (7.2) (p = 0.65). Using additional protein-based insulin dosing compared with carbohydrate alone, there was no difference in glycaemic variability, time spent in euglycemic range (TIR), or below range. Participants using IPR reported more control of their diabetes, but varying levels of distress.

Conclusions

Additional bolus insulin using an IPR did not improve glycaemic control or TIR in patients with well controlled T1DM following a carbohydrate-restricted diet. Importantly, the use of the IPR does not increase the risk of hypoglycemia and may be preferred.