Research Summary
Analyzed using Evidence Intelligence™

Diabetes-specific formula improves glycemic control in type 2 diabetes

Last updated July 18, 2026

Key finding

The treatment group had a greater HbA1c reduction compared to controls (−0.83% vs. −0.19%; MD: −0.63%; 95% CI: −1.00, −0.27; p < 0.001).

This study evaluated the efficacy of a diabetes-specific formula-based partial meal replacement in adults with Type 2 diabetes, finding significant improvements in HbA1c levels.

Quick read

Study at a glance

The essential study design details in one scan.

EvidenceScore™

Moderate

Study type

RCTs

Follow-up

Medium-Term (3–12 mo)

Risk of bias

Some Concerns

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Plain-language summary

What this paper says

A plain-language read of the study’s main message and where it applies.

Study focus

This study evaluated the efficacy of a diabetes-specific formula-based partial meal replacement in adults with Type 2 diabetes, finding significant improvements in HbA1c levels.

Clinical relevance

Improving blood sugar control is crucial for individuals with Type 2 diabetes to reduce the risk of complications. The findings suggest that incorporating a diabetes-specific formula-based meal replacement could be an effective strategy for managing HbA1c levels, potentially leading to better long-term health outcomes for patients.

Keep in mind

The study did not include a long-term follow-up to assess sustained effects. Sample size and demographic diversity may limit generalizability. The study design did not account for potential confounding factors.

Published in

Journal Reference

Publication details and source links for this paper.

Lew LC, Noorlaili MT, Arimi FML, et al. Efficacy of a Diabetes-Specific Formula-Based Partial Meal Replacement in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes. Diabetes, Obesity & Metabolism. 2025;27(8):4167-4180. doi:10.1111/dom.16446

Main Effects

The treatment group had a mean HbA1c reduction of −0.83%, significantly greater than the control group's −0.19% (MD: −0.63%; p < 0.001).

61.4% of the treatment group achieved a clinically significant HbA1c reduction (≥0.5%) compared to 42.3% in the control group (p = 0.023).

Fasting plasma glucose levels significantly improved in the treatment group compared to controls.

Evidence network

How this study fits

Understand where this research contributes within the broader evidence network.

Evidence Context

This study contributes evidence to PMR with DSF plus dietary consultation, mHealth dietary education intervention and Adiponectin, Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG), HbA1c, and 2 more.

Primary intervention

PMR with DSF plus dietary consultation

Primary outcomes

  • Adiponectin
  • Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG)
  • HbA1c

Evidence relationships

Intervention and outcome relationships this study adds to the evidence network.

6
Evidence pairs
6
Relationships
3
Evidence topics
contributes_evidence

Editorial context

Why this study matters

See why this paper is useful beyond its individual results.

Evidence network role

This section describes how the study fits into the current evidence network. It does not determine whether an intervention works on its own.

Moderate contributionModerate confidenceNetwork score: 72

3

Related topics

6

Evidence pairs

960

Related studies

High relevance in at least one topic

Why it is useful

  • Contributes to 6 evidence relationships
  • Includes primary outcome data
  • Linked to 3 direct semantic evidence topics

Topic contributions

Evidence topic

Contributes evidence

Evidence topic

Contributes evidence

Evidence topic

Contributes evidence

Add related evidence to your Evidence Tracker

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Primary evidence

Evidence topic

Dietary Patterns

matched_intervention_and_outcome

Related evidence

Evidence topic

HbA1c Reduction

Save evidence

Core evidence

Study findings

The primary outcomes reported in this study.

HbA1c

mHealth dietary education intervention → HbA1c

mHealth dietary education intervention → HbA1c

Evidence Intelligence™
EvidenceScore™
Emerging
Score 59 · Based on 1 study
ImpactScore™
50
Neutral
ConsistencyScore™
unclear
Not enough independent studies
Supporting studies: Based on 1 study
Add to Evidence Tracker

Adiponectin

PMR with DSF plus dietary consultation → Adiponectin

PMR with DSF plus dietary consultation → Adiponectin

Evidence Intelligence™
EvidenceScore™
Emerging
Score 59 · Based on 1 study
ImpactScore™
100
Very Positive
ConsistencyScore™
unclear
Not enough independent studies
Supporting studies: Based on 1 study
Add to Evidence Tracker

Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG)

PMR with DSF plus dietary consultation → Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG)

PMR with DSF plus dietary consultation → Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG)

Evidence Intelligence™
EvidenceScore™
Emerging
Score 59 · Based on 1 study
ImpactScore™
100
Very Positive
ConsistencyScore™
unclear
Not enough independent studies
Supporting studies: Based on 1 study
Add to Evidence Tracker

HbA1c

PMR with DSF plus dietary consultation → HbA1c

PMR with DSF plus dietary consultation → HbA1c

Evidence Intelligence™
EvidenceScore™
Emerging
Score 59 · Based on 1 study
ImpactScore™
100
Very Positive
ConsistencyScore™
unclear
Not enough independent studies
Supporting studies: Based on 1 study
Add to Evidence Tracker

Insulin

PMR with DSF plus dietary consultation → Insulin

PMR with DSF plus dietary consultation → Insulin

Evidence Intelligence™
EvidenceScore™
Emerging
Score 59 · Based on 1 study
ImpactScore™
100
Very Positive
ConsistencyScore™
unclear
Not enough independent studies
Supporting studies: Based on 1 study
Add to Evidence Tracker

Proportion of participants achieving ≥0.5% reduction in HbA1c

PMR with DSF plus dietary consultation → Proportion of participants achieving ≥0.5% reduction in HbA1c

PMR with DSF plus dietary consultation → Proportion of participants achieving ≥0.5% reduction in HbA1c

Evidence Intelligence™
EvidenceScore™
Emerging
Score 59 · Based on 1 study
ImpactScore™
100
Very Positive
ConsistencyScore™
unclear
Not enough independent studies
Supporting studies: Based on 1 study
Add to Evidence Tracker

Evidence Library

Build your evidence library

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evidence suggest

Evidence Suggest

  • HbA1c levels decreased by −0.63% more in the treatment group (p < 0.001).
  • 61.4% of participants in the treatment group achieved significant HbA1c reduction (p = 0.023).
  • Fasting plasma glucose levels improved significantly in the treatment group.
who this applies

Who this applies to

  • Adults diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.
  • Individuals seeking dietary interventions to manage blood sugar levels.
keep in mind

Keep in Mind

  • Results may not apply to populations outside the study's demographic.
  • The study focused on short-term outcomes; long-term effects remain unclear.
  • Further research is needed to explore the impact of confounding variables.
between the lines

Between the Lines

  • The study did not include a long-term follow-up to assess sustained effects.
  • Sample size and demographic diversity may limit generalizability.
  • The study design did not account for potential confounding factors.

Evidence Library

Build your evidence library

Save research, organize studies, and quickly find important evidence again.

Connected Evidence

Explore related studies, evidence collections, and research questions.

Relationships organized using the Dediabetes Evidence Intelligence™ framework.

This study contributes to evidence on mHealth dietary education intervention and HbA1c, PMR with DSF plus dietary consultation and Adipokine and Angiogenic Markers.

Related evidence relationships

Explore in Evidence Explorer

This study contributes to the evidence on the following intervention-outcome relationships.

Included in these evidence collections

Curated evidence collections and hubs this study is part of.

Questions answered by this study

Generated from the study's connected evidence using Evidence Intelligence™.

Does PMR with DSF plus dietary consultation improve adiponectin?

Emerging Evidence

PMR with DSF plus dietary consultation appears to improve Adiponectin.

ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.

Ranked evidence signals

  1. 1

    Adiponectin

    EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | strong positive | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study

Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.

Limitations

  • Only one supporting study is available.
  • Consistency cannot yet be determined.
  • Population details are unavailable.
1 supporting studyUpdated: Jul 2026

Does PMR with DSF plus dietary consultation improve fasting plasma glucose (fpg)?

Emerging Evidence

PMR with DSF plus dietary consultation appears to improve Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG).

ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.

Ranked evidence signals

  1. 1

    Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG)

    EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | strong positive | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study

Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.

Limitations

  • Only one supporting study is available.
  • Consistency cannot yet be determined.
  • Population details are unavailable.
1 supporting studyUpdated: Jul 2026

Does PMR with DSF plus dietary consultation improve HbA1c?

Emerging Evidence

PMR with DSF plus dietary consultation appears to improve HbA1c.

ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.

Ranked evidence signals

  1. 1

    HbA1c

    EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | strong positive | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study

Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.

Limitations

  • Only one supporting study is available.
  • Consistency cannot yet be determined.
  • Population details are unavailable.
1 supporting studyUpdated: Jul 2026

Does PMR with DSF plus dietary consultation improve insulin?

Emerging Evidence

PMR with DSF plus dietary consultation appears to improve Insulin.

ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.

Ranked evidence signals

  1. 1

    Insulin

    EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | strong positive | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study

Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.

Limitations

  • Only one supporting study is available.
  • Consistency cannot yet be determined.
  • Population details are unavailable.
1 supporting studyUpdated: Jul 2026
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