The effect of flexible low glycemic index dietary advice versus measured carbohydrate exchange diets on glycemic control in children with type 1 diabetes

Abstract

OBJECTIVE - To determine the long-term effect of low glycemic index dietary advice on metabolic control and quality of life in children with type 1 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS - Children with type 1 diabetes (n = 104) were recruited to a prospective, stratified, randomized, parallel study to examine the effects of a measured carbohydrate exchange (CHOx) diet versus a more flexible low-glycemic index (GI) dietary regimen on HbA1c levels, incidence of hypo- and hyperglycemia, insulin dose, dietary intake, and measures of quality of life over 12 months. RESULTS - At 12 months, children in the low-GI group had significantly better HbA1c levels than those in the CHOx group (8.05 ± 0.95 ..