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Open Access 16-05-2024 | Type 2 Diabetes | Review Article

The role of low glycemic index and load diets in medical nutrition therapy for type 2 diabetes: an update

Authors: Eleni Gerontiti, Almog Shalit, Katerina Stefanaki, Paraskevi Kazakou, Dimitrios S. Karagiannakis, Melpomeni Peppa, Theodora Psaltopoulou, Stavroula A. Paschou

Published in: Hormones | Issue 4/2024

Abstract

The increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and its microvascular and macrovascular complications necessitate an optimal approach to prevention and management. Medical nutrition therapy serves as the cornerstone of diabetes care, reducing reliance on diabetic medications for glycemic control and mitigating cardiovascular risk. The broadening field of research in the effect of low glycemic index (GI) and/or glycemic load (GL) diets on individuals with T2DM has yielded promising results in the existing literature. Adopting low-GI and GL dietary patterns contributes to minimizing fluctuations in blood glucose levels, thus presenting a good strategy for achieving enhanced glycemic control. Furthermore, the above dietary practices may offer a viable alternative and practical approach to weight management in individuals with T2DM. However, clinical practice guidelines for diabetes dietary management show inconsistency regarding the certainty of evidence supporting the implementation of low-GI/GL nutritional patterns. This review aims to thoroughly evaluate the available data on the effectiveness of low-GI and low-GL diets in managing glycemic control and reducing cardiovascular risk factors.

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Title: The role of low glycemic index and load diets in medical nutrition therapy for type 2 diabetes: an update
Authors: Eleni Gerontiti
Almog Shalit
Katerina Stefanaki
Paraskevi Kazakou
Dimitrios S. Karagiannakis
Melpomeni Peppa
Theodora Psaltopoulou
Stavroula A. Paschou
Publication date: 16-05-2024
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Keywords: Type 2 Diabetes
Nutrition
Published in: Hormones / Issue 4/2024
Print ISSN: 1109-3099
Electronic ISSN: 2520-8721
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42000-024-00566-7

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