Effects of combined intraduodenal administration of lauric acid and l-tryptophan on postprandial plasma glucose, glucoregulatory hormones and gastric emptying in type 2 diabetes: a double-blind, randomised, crossover study – Published online 19/12/2025

Javad Anjom‑Shoae, Penelope C. E. Fitzgerald, Braden D. Rose, Vida Bitarafan, Jens F. Rehfeld, Michael Horowitz, Christine Feinle‑Bisset

Postprandial hyperglycaemia, the major determinant of ‘average’ glycaemic control, remains a poorly addressed challenge in type 2 diabetes management and is often why individuals fail to reach glycaemic targets. In this double-blind, randomised crossover study, Anjom-Shoae et al (https://doi.org/10.1007/s00125-025-06630-0) demonstrate that combining two dietary nutrients (lauric acid and l-tryptophan), in very low doses that are individually ineffective, significantly lowers postprandial plasma glucose in men with type 2 diabetes. The glucose-lowering effect was related to increased pre-meal secretion of gut hormones (glucagon-like peptide-1 and cholecystokinin) and marked slowing of gastric emptying, but not insulin secretion, which was, in fact, delayed. The authors discuss that these findings highlight how specific nutrient combinations can engage multiple gut-based glucoregulatory pathways, specifically through modulation of gastrointestinal hormones and gastric emptying, to improve postprandial glycaemic management. They conclude that this approach may offer a safe, well-tolerated and cost-effective strategy to complement existing therapies for type 2 diabetes.

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