Glycemic index in the management and control of diabetes mellitus
AbstractNutrition is one of the main blocks in the foundation of diabetes management, along with weight loss, regular physical activity and drug therapy. Today we have a large variety in the choice of dietary strategies. There are non-significant or marginal differences in weight loss across a range of approaches including low-fat, low-carbohydrate, high-protein and high monounsaturated fat diets, in adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Therefore, for reducing body weight in T2D, the choice of a dietary strategy will be determined more by comorbid diseases and patient preferences, and to achieve a favorable metabolic effect and to obtain the desired control in the management of diabetes mellitus, diets with an average proportion of carbohydrates and a low glycemic index should be preferred. Regarding the prevention of the development of T2D complications (especially macrovascular), diets with a low glycemic index also play a significant role: reducing the levels of uric acid and triglycerides, cholesterol and lipoproteins has a protective cardiovascular effect.
Keywords:glycemic index, glycemic control, type 2 diabetes, nutrition
Endocrinology: News, Opinions, Training. 2018; 7 (4): 16-22. doi: 10.24411/2304-9529-2018-14002.