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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can An Elderly Diabetic With An NG Tube Take A Mixture Of Glucerna And Nido Powdered Milk?

Hi doc. My grand mother has paralysis attack recently. She cant eat so doctors have set up her a ng tube . she can only take liquids. Some body told me that we should give her nestle nido forte grow. She has been taking an energy drink named glucerna only. Excess of every thing is bad. So i want to ask that can we give her this powdered milk with mixing it with glucerna . she is now 85 of age. She is a diabetic patient. Plz tell me can we give her a mixture of glucerna and nido as still she is a diabetic patient???
posted on Fri, 7 Jul 2023
Twitter Thu, 23 Oct 2025 Answered on
Twitter Fri, 31 Oct 2025 Last reviewed on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,

For an 85-year-old diabetic on NG tube feeds, you have to be extra careful with what goes in. Glucerna is a medically balanced formula designed specifically for diabetics — it has controlled carbohydrates, slow-release proteins, and healthy fats that help keep sugar levels steady. Nido, on the other hand, is a regular milk powder rich in lactose and added sugars meant for healthy individuals, not for patients — especially not for diabetics or bedridden elderly.

If you mix Nido with Glucerna, you’ll alter the glycemic balance, increase sugar load, and possibly raise her blood glucose. It can also make the feed heavier and harder to digest through the NG tube. So no, don’t mix the two together. Stick with Glucerna alone as her main feed unless the doctor or dietitian changes it. You can adjust the volume or frequency (for example, smaller feeds more often) if she’s losing weight or feeling weak — but never add milk powders or supplements without approval.

If you’re worried about her nutrition, ask her doctor to refer to a clinical dietitian — they can suggest other diabetic-friendly NG formulas (like Diabetisource, Ensure Diabetes Care, etc.) or safe add-ons like small amounts of fiber supplement.

Also keep a close eye on:
• Blood sugar levels
• Hydration (flush the NG tube with water after each feed)
• Any bloating or diarrhea

You’re doing the right thing by checking first — mixing random powders can sometimes do more harm than good.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Usaid Yousuf, General & Family Physician
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Can An Elderly Diabetic With An NG Tube Take A Mixture Of Glucerna And Nido Powdered Milk?

Hi, For an 85-year-old diabetic on NG tube feeds, you have to be extra careful with what goes in. Glucerna is a medically balanced formula designed specifically for diabetics — it has controlled carbohydrates, slow-release proteins, and healthy fats that help keep sugar levels steady. Nido, on the other hand, is a regular milk powder rich in lactose and added sugars meant for healthy individuals, not for patients — especially not for diabetics or bedridden elderly. If you mix Nido with Glucerna, you’ll alter the glycemic balance, increase sugar load, and possibly raise her blood glucose. It can also make the feed heavier and harder to digest through the NG tube. So no, don’t mix the two together. Stick with Glucerna alone as her main feed unless the doctor or dietitian changes it. You can adjust the volume or frequency (for example, smaller feeds more often) if she’s losing weight or feeling weak — but never add milk powders or supplements without approval. If you’re worried about her nutrition, ask her doctor to refer to a clinical dietitian — they can suggest other diabetic-friendly NG formulas (like Diabetisource, Ensure Diabetes Care, etc.) or safe add-ons like small amounts of fiber supplement. Also keep a close eye on: • Blood sugar levels • Hydration (flush the NG tube with water after each feed) • Any bloating or diarrhea You’re doing the right thing by checking first — mixing random powders can sometimes do more harm than good. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Usaid Yousuf, General & Family Physician