Publication:

Effect of meals with varying glycemic index on blood glucose response in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background In diabetes mellitus (DM) glucose is underused, producing hyperglycaemia. Dietary interventions would be effective in management of glycemic control in DM. The glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL) takes into account the glycemic response. Foods with contrasting GI when incorporated into a meal are able to differentially modify glycemia. Currently there is no universal approach to the optimal dietary strategy for DM. Also, little is known about whether this is dependent on the size and composition of the meal. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the blood glucose response to mixed meals (with varying GI and GL) served to Type 2 DM subjects and to determine the relationship between GI, GL and Postprandial Plasma glucose levels (PPG) in Type 2 DM.

Methods This study included 30 Type 2 DM subjects and 30 Non Diabetic Subjects. The subjects were served Hospital based and Home based diet. The FPG (Fasting Plasma Glucose) and PPG values were analysed for comparing the effect of both the diets on plasma glucose levels.

Results After analysis of study data we found that plasma glucose response (FPG-126±6.1 mg/dl, PPG-144.3±4.5 mg/dl) for hospital based low GI meals is significantly lower (p <0.0001) than after one week follow up home based mixed GI meals, (FPG-135±4.5 mg/dl, PPG 158.3±4.5 mg/dl).

Conclusions It was concluded in the study that Plasma Glucose shows a positive response to high GI foods and this may aggravate the hyperglycemia already present in Type 2 DM. Low GI diets may be helpful in reducing risks related to Type 2 DM.