PDA-assisted low glycemic index dietary intervention for type II diabetes: a pilot study.
BACKGROUND
Epidemiological and dietary intervention studies suggest that a low-glycemic index (GI) diet is beneficial for blood glucose control; however, long-term clinical utility of the low GI diet has not been fully investigated.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of a nutritionist-delivered low-GI dietary intervention, with the support of a personal digital assistant (PDA), for adult patients with poorly controlled type II diabetes.


METHODS
The low-GI intervention consisted of six counseling sessions and the use of a PDA-based food database with GI scores for 6 months. Study outcomes included feasibility measures, glycosylated hemoglobin levels (HbA1c), GI and glycemic load (GL) score of self-reported dietary intake, body weight, depression and quality of life (QOL). Measures were obtained at baseline, 3 and 6 months.


RESULTS
Of 31 adult patients approached, 15 met study eligibility criteria and were enrolled in the study. Thirteen patients (87%) completed all study assessments. Findings included decreases in average HbA1c (-0.5% P = 0.02), body weight, hip circumference, blood pressure, dietary GI and daily caloric intake. Diabetes impact scores also decreased. All but one participant completed all components of the intervention. There were mixed reports regarding the usefulness of the PDAs; however, participants offered helpful suggestions for further development.


CONCLUSIONS
Results of this pilot study support the feasibility of implementing a nutritionist-delivered, PDA-assisted low-GI dietary intervention for patients with poorly controlled type II diabetes. Encouraging initial efficacy data require further testing in the context of a randomized clinical trial.
Ma
Y
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Division of Preventive and Behavioral Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA. yungsheng.ma@umassmed.edu
Olendzki
B C
BC
Chiriboga
D
D
Rosal
M
M
Sinagra
E
E
Crawford
S
S
Hafner
A R
AR
Pagoto
S L
SL
Magner
R P
RP
Ockene
I S
IS
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism*; D034201:Computers, Handheld; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000178:diet therapy*; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000145:classification* / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin / Q000032:analysis; D038321:Glycemic Index; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D001786:Blood Glucose; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin