A randomized clinical trial comparing low-glycemic index versus ADA dietary education among individuals with type 2 diabetes

=====>>>>>CONCLUSION: Compared with the ADA diet, the low-GI diet achieved
equivalent control of HbA1c using less diabetic medication<<<<<=====



Nutrition. 2008 Jan;24(1):45-56.
A randomized clinical trial comparing low-glycemic index versus ADA dietary
education among individuals with type 2 diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: We compared the effects of a low glycemic index (GI) diet with
the American Diabetes Association (ADA) diet on glycosylated hemoglobin
(HbA1c) among individuals with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: Forty individuals
with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes were randomized to a low-GI or an ADA
diet. The intervention, consisting of eight educational sessions (monthly
for the first 6 mo and then at months 8 and 10), focused on a low-GI or an
ADA diet. Data on demographics, diet, physical activity, psychosocial
factors, and diabetes medication use were assessed at baseline and 6 and 12
mo. Generalized linear mixed models were used to compare the two groups on
HbA1c, diabetic medication use, blood lipids, weight, diet, and physical
activity. RESULTS: Participants (53% female, mean age 53.5 y) were
predominantly white with a mean body mass index of 35.8 kg/m(2). Although
both interventions achieved similar reductions in mean HbA1c at 6 mo and 12
mo, the low-GI diet group was less likely to add or increase dosage of
diabetic medications (odds ratio 0.26, P = 0.01). Improvements in
high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triacylglycerols, and weight loss were
similar between groups. CONCLUSION: Compared with the ADA diet, the low-GI
diet achieved equivalent control of HbA1c using less diabetic medication.
Despite its limited size, this trial suggests that a low-GI diet is a viable
alternative to the ADA diet. Findings should be evaluated in a larger
randomized controlled trial.

PMID: 18070658

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