Background Hyperglycaemia occurs frequently in the critically ill. Dietary intake of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), specifically N epsilon-(carboxymethyl)lysine (CML), may exacerbate hyperglycaemia through perturbation of insulin sensitivity. The present study aimed to determine whether the use of nutritional formulae, with varying AGE loads, affects the amount of insulin administered and inflammation. Methods Exclusively tube fed patients (n = 35) were randomised to receive Nutrison Protein Plus Multifibre (R), Diason (R) or Glucerna Select (R). Insulin administration was standardised according to protocol based on blood glucose (