Indication: Type 2 diabetes


Source: JAMA, December 17, 2008;300(23):2742-53.

Research: Low-glycemic index diets may improve both glycemic control and cardiovascular risk factors for patients with type 2 diabetes, but debate over their effectiveness continues due to trial limitations. To test the effects of low-glycemic index diets on glycemic control and cardiovascular risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes, researchers conducted a randomized, parallel study on 210 subjects with type 2 diabetes and being treated with anti-hyperglycemic medications; they were recruited by newspaper advertisement. The subjects were randomly assigned to receive one of two diet treatments each for 6 months between September 16, 2004, and May 22, 2007.

Results: There was an increase of HDL cholesterol in the low-glycemic index diet by 1.7 mg/dL compared with a decrease of LDL cholesterol by -0.2 mg/dL in the high-cereal fiber diet. The reduction in dietary glycemic index related positively to the reduction in HbA(1c) concentration and negatively to the increase in HDL cholesterol. In patients with type 2 diabetes, researchers say 6-month treatment with a low-glycemic index diet may lower HbA(1c) levels compared with a high-cereal fiber diet.