OBJECTIVE: To evaluate in type 1 diabetic patients 1) the long-term feasibility of a high-fiber (HF) diet composed exclusively of natural foodstuffs and 2) the efficacy of this diet in relation to blood glucose control and incidence of hypoglycemic episodes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: The study was randomized with parallel groups. Participants were part of a larger multicenter study on the effects of acarbose on glucose control in diabetes. A total of 63 type 1 diabetic patients, age 28 +/- 9 years, BMI 24 +/- 0.6 kg/m2, after a 4-week run-in period on their habitual diet, were randomized to either an HF (n = 32) or a low-fiber (LF) diet (n = 31) for 24 weeks. The two diets, composed exclusively of natural foodstuffs, were weight-maintaining and, aside from their fiber content, were similar for all nutrients. At the end of the run-in period and the dietary treatment, fasting blood samples for the measurement of plasma cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglyceride, and HbA(1c) were collected. A daily glycemic profile was performed on a day in which the participants had consumed a standard menu representative of their treatment diet (HF or LF). RESULTS: Of the 63 study subjects, 29 in the HF group (91%) and 25 in the LF group (81%) completed the study Compared with the LF diet, the HF diet after 24 weeks decreased both mean daily blood glucose concentrations (P < 0.05) and number of hypoglycemic events (P < 0.01). When compliance to diet was taken into account, 83% of the subjects on the HF diet and 88% on the LF diet were compliant. In this subgroup, compared with the LF diet, the HF diet significantly reduced mean daily blood glucose concentrations (P < 0.001), HbA(1c) (P < 0.05), and number of hypoglycemic events (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In type 1 diabetic patients, an HF diet is feasible in the long term and, compared with an LF diet, improves glycemic control and reduces the number of hypoglycemic events.
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Abstract|
October 01 2000
Long-term dietary treatment with increased amounts of fiber-rich low-glycemic index natural foods improves blood glucose control and reduces the number of hypoglycemic events in type 1 diabetic patients.
R Giacco;
R Giacco
Institute of Food Sciences and Technology of Consiglio Nationale delle Ricerche, Avellino, Italy.
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M Parillo;
M Parillo
Institute of Food Sciences and Technology of Consiglio Nationale delle Ricerche, Avellino, Italy.
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A A Rivellese;
A A Rivellese
Institute of Food Sciences and Technology of Consiglio Nationale delle Ricerche, Avellino, Italy.
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G Lasorella;
G Lasorella
Institute of Food Sciences and Technology of Consiglio Nationale delle Ricerche, Avellino, Italy.
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A Giacco;
A Giacco
Institute of Food Sciences and Technology of Consiglio Nationale delle Ricerche, Avellino, Italy.
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L D'Episcopo;
L D'Episcopo
Institute of Food Sciences and Technology of Consiglio Nationale delle Ricerche, Avellino, Italy.
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G Riccardi
G Riccardi
Institute of Food Sciences and Technology of Consiglio Nationale delle Ricerche, Avellino, Italy.
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Citation
R Giacco, M Parillo, A A Rivellese, G Lasorella, A Giacco, L D'Episcopo, G Riccardi; Long-term dietary treatment with increased amounts of fiber-rich low-glycemic index natural foods improves blood glucose control and reduces the number of hypoglycemic events in type 1 diabetic patients.. Diabetes Care 1 October 2000; 23 (10): 1461–1466. https://doi.org/10.2337/diacare.23.10.1461
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