Experts spotlight the latest diabetes prevention tech innovations and trends

06 Dec 2023 --- The landscape of diabetes prevention is evolving, with advancements in technology playing a pivotal role in shaping new solutions and approaches. Recently, we spoke with industry experts who highlighted several natural diabetes prevention methods, including how dairy facilitates blood glucose management, herbal solutions, supplements that empower lifestyle changes and natural blood glucose control.

Nutrition Insight now continues its conversation about the latest developments in diabetes prevention with professionals from Valio, Ingredients by Nature, Nutrartis and PharmaLinea. 

“Around 540 million adults had diabetes in 2021, equalling 9.8% of the global adult population. This number is predicted to rise to 643 million by 2030 and 783 million by 2045,” says Matevž Ambrožič, marketing and PR director at PharmaLinea.

“Aside from the actual disease state, a much larger number of people are at risk of developing diabetes. Prediabetes is present in 10.2 to 15.9% of adults worldwide, according to a conservative assessment. What is more, factors contributing to this growth are not showing signs of receding, so action needs to be taken from other ends,” he continues.

Experts expect to see non-invasive blood glucose tracking for smartwatches out on the market soon.Blood glucose tracking technology
 As technology makes blood glucose tracking more accessible, PharmaLinea emphasizes the impending evolution of the market.

“As we progress and technological advances make blood glucose tracking available to everyone with a smartwatch, the pressure on product efficacy will cause the market to evolve rapidly. Those ready with solutions that are robust and visible in real-time will be at a major advantage,” argues Ambrožič.

He states that Apple and Samsung are in a race to develop non-invasive blood glucose tracking for smartwatches and that very soon, every consumer with a smartwatch will be able to track their blood glucose levels in real-time. 

“When that moment comes, millions of consumers will realize they need to do something about their blood glucose. Companies should be ready with supplement solutions with effects measurable in real-time. We will also likely see the segment develop in specific positionings – from catering to children, women, men and the aging population specifically, to combining blood sugar control with weight loss, energy and focus.”

Meanwhile, Maja Orešnik, science and research director at PharmaLinea, says, “Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) technology offers practical proof of efficacy for clinical settings and end-users.

“There is a market need for effective products with different mechanisms of action. We believe that in the future, consumers will focus even more on the holistic approach, combining the food supplements with general diet and exercise changes,” she adds.

Ambrožič further points to the recent rise in user-friendly sensor-driven continuous glucose monitors, which are slowly replacing traditional glucose monitors that require finger pricks. 

“As a result, a wider population (mostly sports professionals, such as pro-cyclists who wish to advance their nutrition) has developed an interest in monitoring their blood glucose levels. 

Right now is a crucial moment because wearable technology is advancing to the level of being non-invasive and much more widespread.” 

User-friendly sensor-driven continuous glucose monitors are slowly replacing traditional glucose monitors that require finger pricks.Ingredients by Nature president Rob Brewster agrees with Ambrožič and Orešnik’s assessment, stating that, “When it comes to wearable technology, more and more people are wanting to use these to track their sugar levels even if they don’t necessarily have high blood glucose issues.” 

“This is because, in general, consumers understand that blood sugar levels impact their overall health and weight management. As people continue to move toward a healthier lifestyle, technology will always support our goals,” he adds. 

Clinical trials
Concerning the need for preemptive action to ensure healthy blood glucose levels, Brewster points to Ingredients by Nature’s Eriomin patented blend primarily composed of eriocitrin.

“Eriomin has three human clinical trials backing its efficacy for improved blood glucose in prediabetic volunteers. Eriomin is unique in its ability to address interrelated avenues of care, including blood glucose, inflammation and oxidation. It has also been shown to increase insulin production by boosting GLP-1 levels.”

He highlights that the first human trial showed Eriomin improved glucose metabolism in 103 prediabetes volunteers at 200 mg daily over 12 weeks. It increased GLP-1 by 15%, decreased blood glucose level by 5% and HbA1c by 2%. 

In the second published human clinical trial, Eriomin significantly benefited glycemic control of those with higher than normal blood sugar levels by increasing GLP-1 and supporting a healthy inflammatory response.

In the third published trial, Eriomin influenced specific intestinal microorganisms related to glucose homeostasis and GLP-1 production in patients with prediabetes after 12 weeks of daily supplementation.

Milk fractionation technology
Valio outlines that dairy products help in weight management and reduce the risk of developing metabolic syndrome, a significant risk factor for type 2 diabetes. The company spotlights its milk fractionation innovation.

“Valio has extensive know-how in milk fractionation, which enables us to separate and concentrate milk fractions with specific health benefits,” says Valio’s nutrition research manager, Dr. Anu Turpeinen, and the company’s customer development manager, Emma Laivisto.

Technologies that enhance protein absorption and gut comfort allow the development of products suitable for specific consumers.“We are able to modify the protein, carbohydrate and fat content of our products to cater to the needs of different consumer groups. Valio is a pioneer in lactose-free technology, and we were the first in the world to launch totally lactose-free milk in 2001.” 

The two experts point out that today, Valio has the broadest assortment of lactose-free milk powders and other dairy products. 

“Also, technologies such as hydrolysis of milk protein, which enhances protein absorption and gut comfort, enable us to produce products suitable for different consumer groups,” they further argue.  

Technological solutions in the natural ingredients space
Nutrartis, the natural ingredients company, points to technical challenges involving developing manufacturing processes that maintain bioavailability and efficacy.

“Natural derived ingredients require a very long development period; strict quality control and efficacy validation is required to achieve a final market product with clinical and public approval,” says Gonzalo Vega, chief business officer at Nutrartis.

“Stringent controls should be applied during manufacturing and efficacy tests. Many plant-derived products are delivered as whole extracts that contain bioactive specific molecules but also other unneeded compounds that may be toxic or decrease the desired efficacy.”

He says that in those cases, purification steps are required. “Sometimes, one sole natural bioactive compound cannot compete with the efficacy of pharmacologic treatments. Then, you must look for additive or synergistic effects within natural compounds.” 

“The most challenging issue with natural ingredients that are used as preventive products (which involves long-term use) is to provide convincing clinical evidence of its efficacy, without any adverse or unwanted side effects during its consumption,” continues Vega. 

“Other technical challenges are developing manufacturing processes for obtaining these compounds without affecting bioavailability and efficacy.”

By Milana Nikolova