Abstract: The nutritional deficiencies which constitute a serious side-effect of intestinal cleansing procedures can be alleviated or entirely avoided by a composition and method according to the present invention, wherein a complex carbohydrate is administered to the patient in a form and an amount which gives a blood glucose response similar to that following a normal meal, and stabilizes the blood glucose level above 3.5 mmol/l, preferably above about 4 mmol/l, thus preventing hypoglycaemia. The composition and method is suitable for all patients, but in particular for weakened, elderly or diabetic patients. The composition and method significantly improves the well-being of the patients, and does not reduce the cleansing effect achieved by conventional intestinal cleansing preparations or procedures, and has no known side effects. The preferred complex carbohydrate is native corn starch, and the composition may also include a simple carbohydrate, e.g. sucrose.

Abstract: A method for improving tolerance in a human suffering from impaired glucose tolerance including both IGT and Diabetes Mellitus Type 2, comprising ingesting a therapeutic amount of slow-release starch at bedtime. The preferred type of starch for use in this method is natural cornstarch.