Low-glycemic index carbohydrates: an effective behavioral change for glycemic control and weight management in patients with type 1 and 2 diabetes.
This retrospective study evaluated the incorporation of low-glycemic index (GI) carbohydrates into daily meal planning as an effective behavioral lifestyle change to improve glycemic control and weight management in patients with type 1 and 2 diabetes.



Twenty-one subjects participated in this study. All office visits and interview sessions took place in a 2-physician private medical practice setting in Wayne, New Jersey. Patients' pre- and postcounseling HbA1c and body mass index (BMI) values and their antidiabetic medication dosages were recorded. Audiotaped interviews were conducted using the 10-question Glycemic Index Foods Quiz (GIFQ) and the 29-question Interview Questionnaire (IQ). The GI values of pre- and postcounseling meals were calculated. Assessment was based on triangulating the subjects' adherence to the low-GI carbohydrate behavioral change and the primary outcome measures: HbA1c and BMI.



Low-GI medical nutrition therapy (LGI-MNT) counseling reduced HbA1c by 19% (mean drop of 1.5 U) and decreased BMI by 8% (mean loss of 17 pounds). This was accomplished by the participants independently lowering the GI values of their meals by 25% (mean reduction of 15 points). Results were achieved over a time frame of 3 to 36 months from the initial LGI-MNT counseling session.



Daily incorporation of low-GI carbohydrates in meal planning can be an effective diabetes self-management strategy for glycemic control and weight management. The documented responses to the subjects' conceptual and practical knowledge of the GI confirm their acceptance of this approach as a permanent behavioral lifestyle change and not a "diet." The positive results of this study attest to what worked for these subjects, inviting diabetes educators to consider offering low-GI dietary advice to their diabetes patients.
Burani
Johanna
J
Nutrition Works, Mendham, New Jersey (Ms Burani)
Longo
Palma J
PJ
The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth (Dr Longo)
D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism*; D001835:Body Weight; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D003927:Diet, Diabetic; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin / Q000032:analysis; D038321:Glycemic Index; D006801:Humans; D010353:Patient Education as Topic
D001786:Blood Glucose; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin