Low-glycemic index foods improve long-term glycemic control in NIDDM.
OBJECTIVE
To compare high- and low-glycemic index (GI) diets in the treatment of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM).


METHODS
Sixteen subjects with well-controlled NIDDM and normal lipid profile, 10 of whom continued oral hypoglycemic medication, participated in the study. A diet that emphasized low-GI foods (e.g., porridge, pasta) was compared with a high-GI diet (e.g., processed cereals, potatoes). The GI of the low-GI diet was 15% lower than the high-GI diet (77 +/- 3 vs. 91 +/- 1) but otherwise similar in macronutrient composition and fiber, as determined by a 4-day weighed record. The diets were instituted under instruction from a dietitian who visited subjects at home on a weekly basis. Body weight was maintained within 1-2 kg.


RESULTS
Glycemic control was improved on the low-GI diet compared with the high-GI diet (statistically significant findings, P less than 0.05). Mean glycosylated hemoglobin at the end of the low-GI diet was 11% lower (7.0 +/- 0.3%) than at the end of the high-GI diet (7.9 +/- 0.5%), and the 8-h plasma glucose profile was lower (area under the curve above fasting 128 +/- 23 vs. 148 +/- 22 mmol.h-1.L-1, respectively). Mean fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol triglycerides, and lipoproteins did not show important differences.


CONCLUSIONS
A low-GI diet gives a modest improvement in long-term glycemic control but not plasma lipids in normolipidemic well-controlled subjects with NIDDM.
Brand
J C
JC
Department of Biochemistry, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Colagiuri
S
S
Crossman
S
S
Allen
A
A
Roberts
D C
DC
Truswell
A S
AS
D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism*; D002096:C-Peptide / Q000097:blood; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000097:blood* / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000188:drug therapy; D003927:Diet, Diabetic; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007328:Insulin / Q000097:blood; D008074:Lipoproteins / Q000097:blood; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000097:blood
D001786:Blood Glucose; D002096:C-Peptide; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D007328:Insulin; D008074:Lipoproteins; D014280:Triglycerides