Nuts may be a healthy replacement for carbohydrates in a diabetic diet for individuals with type 2 diabetes
Many individuals who have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes are instructed to follow a strict diabetic diet in order to lower their blood sugar levels and potentially reduce their need for diabetes medications.
A recent article published by Renal and Urology News cited a study that appeared in the journal Diabetes Care, which found that people with type 2 diabetes who consumed two ounces of nuts daily in lieu of high-carbohydrate foods experienced better glycemic control and improved amounts of serum lipids.
The news provider reported that participants were divided into three groups, including those who consumed 75 grams of mixed nuts per day, subjects who ate half-portions of nuts and others who were given whole wheat, sugar-free muffins.
According to the study's results, individuals who consumed the most nuts decreased their absolute hemoglobin A1c scores, compared to members of the other groups. The findings also showed that participants in the full-portion subset also had lower LDL cholesterol levels after the three-month experiment.
"Mixed, unsalted, raw or dry-roasted nuts have benefits for both blood glucose and blood lipids and may be used to increase vegetable oil and protein intake in the diets of type 2 diabetic patients as part of a strategy to improve diabetes control without weight gain," said lead researcher David J. A. Jenkins, quoted by the news source.
These findings may be noteworthy for some individuals who have advanced type 2 diabetes since they may lessen the burden of counting carbohydrates - a technique that diabetic patients use to calculate the effect that foods will have on their blood glucose levels.
The American Diabetes Association notes that a diabetic diet involves limiting the intake of sugars and saturated fats, while focusing more on eating small portions of well-balanced meals comprised of produce and whole grains frequently throughout the day.
A recent article published by Renal and Urology News cited a study that appeared in the journal Diabetes Care, which found that people with type 2 diabetes who consumed two ounces of nuts daily in lieu of high-carbohydrate foods experienced better glycemic control and improved amounts of serum lipids.
The news provider reported that participants were divided into three groups, including those who consumed 75 grams of mixed nuts per day, subjects who ate half-portions of nuts and others who were given whole wheat, sugar-free muffins.
According to the study's results, individuals who consumed the most nuts decreased their absolute hemoglobin A1c scores, compared to members of the other groups. The findings also showed that participants in the full-portion subset also had lower LDL cholesterol levels after the three-month experiment.
"Mixed, unsalted, raw or dry-roasted nuts have benefits for both blood glucose and blood lipids and may be used to increase vegetable oil and protein intake in the diets of type 2 diabetic patients as part of a strategy to improve diabetes control without weight gain," said lead researcher David J. A. Jenkins, quoted by the news source.
These findings may be noteworthy for some individuals who have advanced type 2 diabetes since they may lessen the burden of counting carbohydrates - a technique that diabetic patients use to calculate the effect that foods will have on their blood glucose levels.
The American Diabetes Association notes that a diabetic diet involves limiting the intake of sugars and saturated fats, while focusing more on eating small portions of well-balanced meals comprised of produce and whole grains frequently throughout the day.
First published on: July 11, 2011
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