The use of low-glycaemic index diets in diabetes control.
The aim of diabetes management is to normalise blood glucose levels since improved blood glucose control is associated with fewer complications. Food affects blood glucose levels; however, there is no universal approach to the optimal diabetic diet and there is controversy about the usefulness of the low-glycaemic index (GI) diet. To assess the effects of low-GI diets on glycaemic control in diabetes, we conducted electronic searches of the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL. We assessed randomised controlled trials (RCT) with interventions >4 weeks that compared a low-GI diet with a higher-GI diet for type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Twelve RCT (n 612) were identified. There was a significant decrease in glycated Hb (HbA1c) with low-GI diet than with the control diet, indicating improved glycaemic control (seven trials, n 457, weighted mean difference (WMD) - 0.4 % HbA1c, 95% CI - 0.7, - 0.20, P = 0.001). In four studies reporting the results for glycaemic control as fructosamine, three of which were 6 weeks or less in duration, pooled data showed a decrease in fructosamine (WMD - 0.23 mmol/l, 95% CI - 0.47, 0.00, P = 0.05), n 141, with low-GI diet than with high-GI diet. Glycosylated albumin levels decreased significantly with low-GI diet, but not with high-GI diet, in one study that reported this outcome. Lowering the GI of the diet may contribute to improved glycaemic control in diabetes.
Thomas
D E
DE
Centre for Evidence Based Paediatrics Gastroenterology and Nutrition (CEBPGAN), Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, c/o Research Building, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Locked Bag 4001, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia. dianat@chw.edu.au
Elliott
E J
EJ
D000418:Albumins / Q000378:metabolism; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism*; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000097:blood / Q000178:diet therapy*; D019270:Fructosamine / Q000097:blood; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin / Q000378:metabolism; D038321:Glycemic Index; D006801:Humans
D000418:Albumins; D001786:Blood Glucose; D019270:Fructosamine; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin