Preventing diabetes with dairy and botanical-based nutrition innovations

As diabetes continues to rise and threaten the health and well-being of people, the nutrition industry is crafting science-backed supplements and solutions to lower disease risk by improving blood sugar management.

Nutrition Insight explores solutions from Valio, which developed dairy-based products, and PharmaLinea, which developed the Your Prediabetiq Line of supplements for balanced blood glucose levels with an immediate effect.

“Our Lacto-GI study confirmed that Eila lactose-free skimmed milk powders have a naturally low glycemic index or GI (40–41), are low in fat, and are ideal for creating low-carbohydrate, high-protein formulations,” says Linda Krosender, business development manager at Valio.

“Therefore, Valio’s lactose-free range is well-suited for manufacturers who want to develop products that align with today’s health and wellness trends.”

Veronika Pipan, head of Scientific Support at PharmaLinea says that products under Your Prediabetiq Line are designed to improve glycemic response through two complementary mechanisms. 

“They reduce post-meal blood glucose levels and improve insulin efficacy and sensitivity. Consumers can see an immediate effect in real time, and continuous supplementation works toward long-term health goals,” she explains. “The solutions come in capsule and orodispersible stick formats for adults and children and are aimed at the growing populations of diabetics and prediabetics.”

Support better blood sugar control

Valio helps diabetics support better blood sugar control with Valio Eila lactose-free milk, which is said to be healthy, nutritious, and tasty.

“Our line of specialty milk powders can be used in various applications to provide a smooth and creamy texture while boosting the levels of protein, vitamins, and minerals in the product,” says Krosender. “Valio Eila milk powders are especially well-suited for diabetic nutrition because of their low carbohydrate and high protein levels, which can help in maintaining a healthy diet.”

“The reduced sugar, increased protein, enhanced flavor, and added digestive wellness benefits of Valio Eila can help you overcome your new product formulation challenges and replace standard fresh milk or milk powder in recipes. Keep your ingredient lists short and simple.”Functional foods and supplements are increasingly designed to help manage blood glucose and support diabetes prevention.

Meanwhile, PharmaLinea’s Your Prediabetiq Line is made from botanical ingredients that temporarily inhibit carbohydrate-digesting enzymes in the upper small intestine, says Pipan. It especially targets the upper small intestine enzymes that break down complex carbohydrates into simple sugars.

“By slowing this enzymatic process, the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates are delayed, which results in a more gradual release of glucose into the bloodstream. As a result, post-meal blood glucose and insulin levels rise more slowly and to a lower peak, reducing sharp spikes that are associated with insulin resistance and metabolic stress.” 

“This targeted, temporary mechanism allows for the modulation of post-meal glucose response in a safe and controlled manner, supporting overall metabolic balance without altering normal digestive function,” she explains. 

The product also contains chromium, which helps maintain normal blood glucose levels. The essential trace mineral plays an essential part in insulin’s signalling pathway. “This hormone is responsible for transporting glucose from the bloodstream into cells, thereby helping to reduce circulating blood sugar levels,” says Pipan.

“Together, the two ingredients provide complementary support for blood sugar control, one slowing glucose absorption and the other improving its efficient utilization by cells.” 

Biggest regional demand for diabetes prevention

According to Dr. Anu Turpeinen, senior research manager at Valio, diabetes is on the rise and affects millions of adults globally. Although medication can help manage the condition, she says diet and lifestyle play a vital role in prevention. “Consumers are increasingly seeking to influence their health through functional foods rather than relying solely on medications.” Low-GI dairy ingredients and glucose-regulating botanicals are emerging as key tools for better metabolic health.

“Products designed for diabetes prevention can, for example, help manage blood sugar levels or otherwise support maintaining a healthy weight. We see demand for solutions that combine a low GI with additional nutritional benefits, such as a high protein level.” 

“Maintaining a healthy weight is closely linked to diabetes prevention, and the sufficient intake of protein is especially important for preserving muscle mass during weight loss.” 

The challenges and opportunities for solutions are global, she continues, adding that APAC, particularly its urban and developed markets, stands out as a region with high diabetes rates and consumers who are accustomed to seeking specific health benefits from food and beverages.

PharmaLinea’s marketing director, Matevž Ambrožič, says: “Based on our experience, there is a high demand for diabetes-prevention products in markets such as the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and also Western and Northern Africa.”

He echoes Turpeinen, saying the APAC region has a high demand for diabetes-prevention products, including in the US.

Ensuring scientific evidence

Valio has a 120-year-long history of research and innovation, notes Turpeinen, highlighting that the company’s R&D was headed for 50 years by professor Virtanen — a Nobel prize winner in chemistry for his discovery of how to preserve the nutrient value of cow feed and the quality of butter during the long Nordic winter. 

Global demand grows for science-backed nutrition solutions that promote balanced blood sugar and long-term well-being.“Virtanen’s legacy still lives on: we put a lot of effort into R&D and use science to make food that improves everyday lives. We have a history of successful science-driven innovations, such as lactose-free products and products with probiotics.” 

“There is abundant scientific evidence of an inverse association between the consumption of dairy products and risk of type 2 diabetes. Also, several components in dairy, such as milk protein, bioactive peptides, and milk minerals, have beneficial effects on risk factors of type 2 diabetes,” shares Turpeinen.

Additionally, she notes that unsweetened dairy products, including lactose-free dairy, have a low GI of 30 to 40, making them an ideal source of essential nutrients for diabetics.

Meanwhile, at PharmaLinea, Pipan says: “First, we carefully select ingredients that already have solid clinical support, published studies, or established scientific consensus and recognized health claims under regulatory frameworks such as the European Food Safety Authority.”

“For Your Prediabetiq Line products, in addition to relying on existing science, we also conducted internal product testing to confirm that the finished formulation performs as expected in real-life conditions.” 

The team measured post-meal blood glucose levels in real time after Your Prediabetiq Capsules were taken. The results closely resembled those seen in other studies on the active ingredient, thus supporting the product’s efficacy claim.