New Study Shows B.T.R. NATION Keeps Blood Sugar Stable
Introduction
Finding healthy snacks that do not spike blood sugar can be tough. You would be surprised how many snacks, even ones labeled "healthy," may cause blood sugar to spike.
Recently, B.T.R. NATION worked with Tastermonial, a food data platform that helps consumers and food companies better understand how specific foods affect blood sugar using real-world data, to test their bars using a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) and see how they affect blood sugar. The results showed that B.T.R. Bars are a great choice for people wanting to keep their blood sugar steady.
Let's dive into the study and see what makes B.T.R. NATION Bars a smart snack option!
Why Blood Sugar Matters
Blood sugar, also called glucose, is the main source of energy for our bodies. When you eat, your blood sugar levels change based on what you consume. Foods high in sugar and low in fiber can cause a rapid spike in blood sugar, followed by a crash. These ups and downs can leave you feeling tired and hungry again soon after eating. Keeping blood sugar levels stable is key to having steady energy, a good mood, and overall health.
Studies show that frequent blood sugar spikes can have long-term health effects. Research has linked high blood sugar spikes to an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease (Kong et al., 2023). A review of dietary patterns suggests that low-glycemic foods, which do not significantly raise blood sugar, may aid in reducing the risk of chronic conditions like metabolic syndrome and obesity (Ceriello et al., 2022). This is why finding foods that do not cause these spikes is integral to health and longevity.
How B.T.R. NATION Bars Were Tested
Tastermonial conducted a real-world, open-label study to observe the blood glucose responses in adults after consuming B.T.R. NATION Bars. The study aimed to investigate the low-glycemic potential of B.T.R. NATION by comparing its impact on blood sugar with a popular bar (control group). Here’s how the study was conducted:
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Participants: A total of 60 applicants expressed interest in joining the study, of which 29 participants were recruited based on specific criteria. Participants were aged between 21 to 75 years. Exclusion criteria included diagnosed type 1 diabetes, insulin-dependent type 2 diabetes, medication that affects blood glucose (except metformin), underlying health conditions, pregnancy, and dietary restrictions that prevented consuming the study foods.
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Study Design: This real-world study was conducted remotely. Participants were instructed to wear a CGM sensor, which self-calibrated over the first 24 hours. On the second day, they began testing the bars. The participants were asked to consume one B.T.R. Bar (5g of net carbs) on an empty stomach and log their meal in the Tastermonial app. Each test was repeated twice. Before starting the experiment, participants had to ensure their blood sugar levels were in the baseline normal range of 70-110 mg/dL.
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Testing Procedure: Each participant fasted for at least two hours before eating the test product and avoided consuming other foods or exercising for two hours afterward. They logged their meals and glucose levels using the Tastermonial app, allowing real-time monitoring of blood sugar changes. The study spanned at least three days, with the option for participants to test multiple B.T.R. NATION Bar flavors (Cinnamon Cookie Dough, Dark Chocolate Brownie, and Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip).
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Data Handling: The glucose readings from the CGM were collected at intervals over two hours post-consumption. Data was anonymized and analyzed for blood glucose spikes, using the incremental area under the curve (iAUC) to quantify the overall blood sugar response.
Key Findings: B.T.R. NATION Bar's Impact on Blood Sugar
The study found that the B.T.R. NATION Bar caused a minimal increase in blood sugar levels, ranging between 5-17 mg/dl on average. This is well below the 40 mg/dl spike range that is considered favorable for blood sugar management.
In comparison, the control product, GoMacro Bar, showed a significantly higher postprandial (after eating) glucose response, with peak glucose concentration reaching an average of 586 mg/dl and an iAUC of 2050. The B.T.R. NATION Bar, on the other hand, had a peak glucose concentration of just 11 mg/dl and an iAUC of 92. The p-value for these differences was less than 0.05, indicating that the findings were statistically significant.
This data suggests that B.T.R. NATION Bars have a low glycemic impact and are a better choice for maintaining blood sugar levels within a healthy range compared to other snack bars on the market. The results also showed consistency across different flavors of B.T.R. Bars, making them a reliable option for those seeking to manage their blood sugar.
Why B.T.R. NATION Bar for Blood Sugar Management
B.T.R. NATION Bars are designed with ingredients that help keep blood sugar stable. They are high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats, which slow down how quickly the body absorbs sugar. A systematic review published in Nutrients found that consuming fiber-rich foods plays a significant role in regulating blood sugar levels, particularly post-meal spikes (Obermayer et al., 2023). Protein intake has also been shown to slow carbohydrate absorption, further aiding in blood sugar management (Rodbard, 2016).
B.T.R. NATION Bars are low in refined carbohydrates, which are often responsible for rapid increases in blood sugar. Research published in The Lancet: Diabetes & Endocrinology indicates that a diet low in refined carbs and sugars, emphasizing whole, fiber-rich foods, supports better blood sugar control and metabolic health (Ceriello et al., 2022). The combination of high fiber, protein, and healthy fats in B.T.R. NATION Bars supports a steady release of energy, helping you stay fuller longer–without the dreaded crash.
Takeaways for Everyday Snack Choices
Not all snacks are created equal when it comes to blood sugar. High sugar, low-fiber snacks can cause spikes that make you feel tired and hungry again. However, research shows that choosing foods high in fiber, protein, and healthy fats can help maintain a more stable blood sugar level (Hulton et al., 2022). B.T.R. NATION Bars, with their balanced ingredients, offer a smart snack choice to support long-term metabolic health.
Why This Matters for You
Maintaining stable blood sugar has many long-term health benefits. It can help you have more consistent energy, support better mood, and even help manage your weight. Research has demonstrated that managing blood sugar is crucial in preventing conditions like type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome (Urakami, 2020). A meta-analysis in Diabetes Care highlights that individuals with better glycemic control have a reduced risk of developing cardiovascular diseases (Umpierrez & Klonoff, 2018).
B.T.R. NATION Bars are a convenient option that aligns with blood sugar-friendly eating. They provide a balanced mix of nutrients that support your body without causing a rapid rise in glucose. By including B.T.R. NATION Bars in your diet, you can enjoy a snack that’s tasty, filling, and kind to your blood sugar levels.
Conclusion
The study conducted by Tastermonial shows that B.T.R. NATION Bars are a scientifically-backed choice for managing blood sugar. They caused only a small rise in blood sugar levels, unlike other popular health bars. By choosing B.T.R. NATION Bars, you’re making a decision that supports both your health–and taste buds.
If you want to learn more about the study and see the detailed findings, you can click here to view the white paper and dive deeper into the evidence supporting B.T.R. NATION Bar as a low-glycemic snack option.
References
- Ceriello A. Postprandial hyperglycemia and diabetes complications: Is it time to treat? Diabetes. 2005;54(1):1-7. doi:10.2337/diabetes.54.1.1.
- Ceriello A, Prattichizzo F, Phillip M, et al. Glycaemic management in diabetes: old and new approaches. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2022;10(1):75-84. doi:10.1016/S2213-8587(21)00245-X.
- Obermayer A, Tripolt NJ, Pferschy PN, et al. Efficacy and safety of intermittent fasting in people with insulin-treated type 2 diabetes (INTERFAST-2): a randomized controlled trial. Diabetes Care. 2023;46(2):463-468. doi:10.2337/dc22-1622.
- Rodbard D. Continuous glucose monitoring: a review of successes, challenges, and opportunities. Diabetes Technol Ther. 2016;18(Suppl 2):S3-S13. doi:10.1089/dia.2015.0417.
- Gannon MC, Nuttall FQ. Control of blood glucose in type 2 diabetes without weight loss by modification of diet composition. Nutr Metab (Lond). 2006;3:16. doi:10.1186/1743-7075-3-16.
- Grundy SM, Cleeman JI, Daniels SR, et al. Diagnosis and management of the metabolic syndrome: An American Heart Association/National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Scientific Statement. Circulation. 2005;112(17):2735-2752. doi:10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.105.169404.
- Umpierrez GE, Klonoff DC. Diabetes technology update: use of insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring in the hospital. Diabetes Care. 2018;41(8):1579-1589. doi:10.2337/dci18-0002.
Stratton IM, Adler AI, Neil HA, et al. Association of glycaemia with macrovascular and microvascular complications of type 2 diabetes (UKPDS 35): prospective observational study. BMJ. 2000;321(7258):405-412. doi:10.1136/bmj.321.7258.405.
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