Hypoglycaemic and hypolipidaemic effects of low GI and medium GL Indian diets in type 2 diabetics for a period of 4 weeks: A prospective study

Abstract

This prospective study reports significant hypoglycaemic and hypolipidaemic effects in type 2 diabetic subjects who were provided the complete diet plan to be on low glycaemic index (GI) and low-medium glycaemic load (GL) Indian vegetarian snacks and mixed meals for 4 continuous weeks. Five millilitres of fasting blood sample drawn at weekly intervals for 4 weeks were analysed for blood glucose, HbA1c and lipid profile. Four weeks later mean blood glucose level of 173.6 mg% decreased to 137.8 mg%, HbA1c of 8% also decreased to 7.1% which reflected the blood glucose level during the study period and hence correlated well with the fall in blood glucose level. Triglyceride level of 244.5 mg% decreased to 164.7 mg% (p < 0.0001) and total cholesterol of 173.5 mg% decreased to 134.6 mg% (p < 0.0001). High-density lipoprotein cholesterol of 33 mg% increased to 39.8 mg% (p < 0.003), very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol of 48.9 mg% decreased to 32.9 mg% (p < 0.0001) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol of 90.1 mg% decreased to 64.3 (p < 0.009). This significant outcome can be improved further if compliance to low GI and low-to-medium GL diet is continued. This may achieve desired glycaemic control and that's limit oxidative stress.

Keywords::

• low glycaemic index
• glycosylated haemoglobin
• lipid profile
• type 2 diabetes
• Indian vegetarian meals

Declaration of interest: The authors gratefully acknowledge the SJRF of LTMMC and LTMGH for financial assistance, ethics committee of our Institution and Dr Avinash Phadke of Piramal Diagnostic Pvt. Ltd. for providing analytical facility and each of the volunteers who participated in this study. The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.