[PHNUTR-L] UK Sugar Bureau: Carbohydrates Improve Insulin Control [uh huh]

[Kathrynne Holden, MS, RD]

Colleagues, I hope this generates some comments. - Kathrynne
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Carbohydrates Improve Insulin Control
16 Jan 2006
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=36212#

It is commonly believed that carbohydrates, particularly sugar, are a 
cause of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. However, such thinking 
has been challenged following the publication of a thorough appraisal of 
the evidence, in the latest edition of Nutrition Research Reviews.

Dr Neville McClenaghan, from the University of Ulster , conducted a 
large review of scientific studies investigating the effect of high and 
low carbohydrate diets on blood glucose control in people with and 
without diabetes.

The author of this review concludes that there is no evidence to suggest 
that carbohydrate-rich diets are a cause of insulin resistance or type 2 
diabetes in humans. In fact, he suggests that diets rich in 
carbohydrates, which tend to be naturally low in fat may help improve 
insulin control. Furthermore it is well established that high fat diets, 
particularly those rich in saturates, not only interfere the normal 
action of insulin but also encourage weight gain, which itself increases 
risk of insulin resistance.

Many people with type 2 diabetes wrongly restrict the amount of 
carbohydrate in their diet. This paper adds weight to current dietary 
advice which recommends that meals should be based around carbohydrate 
rich foods, such as bread, pasta or rice, that there is no need to 
restrict sugars specifically, and that the amount of saturated fat in 
the diet is restricted.

Insulin resistance is a common but often silent disorder which occurs 
when the body does not respond appropriately to the effects of insulin 
(see below). Insulin resistance can lead to, and is a feature of, the 
more serious condition, type 2 diabetes.

Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, is needed for normal 
glucose, fat and protein metabolism. Insulin controls the amount of 
glucose in the blood by enabling glucose to enter cells (e.g. muscle and 
liver cells) which need glucose for fuel. With insulin resistance the 
body either can not produce enough insulin or the body's cells do not 
respond fully to its effects. This ultimately leads to a raised blood 
glucose. Having blood glucose that is either too high (hyperglycaemia) 
or too low (hypoglycaemia) is dangerous to health, for example, 
long-term hyperglycaemia is associated with an increased risk of kidney 
and eye problems.

Fat metabolism is also affected by insulin resistance raising the risk 
of heart disease, the most common cause of death amongst people with 
diabetes.

On a global scale, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes are becoming 
increasingly common. Whilst genetics account for some degree of 
susceptibility to these disorders, lifestyle factors such as diet and 
physical activity levels can have a large impact on risk. Insulin 
resistance is closely involved in type 2 diabetes, and is thought to be 
a precursor to the disease. In people with and without type 2 diabetes, 
a diet rich in carbohydrate and low in fat appears to offer protection 
against insulin resistance. Being of a healthy body weight and also 
maintaining an active lifestyle will help reduce the risk of developing 
type 2 diabetes.

Click here to see source

Peer reviewed publication and references
McClenaghan NH (2005) Determining the relationship between dietary 
carbohydrate intake and insulin resistance. Nutrition Research Reviews. 
18. 222-240.

About THE SUGAR BUREAU

The Sugar Bureau is the trade association for the UK sugar industry. It 
is funded principally by British Sugar and Tate and Lyle, with smaller 
contributions from Irish Sugar and the UK Sugar Merchants Association. 
Since 1990, The Sugar Bureau has been involved in promoting nutrition 
research and raising awareness among academics, health professionals, 
the media and the public about the role of sugars in the diet.
-- 
Kathrynne Holden, MS, RD < fivestar at nutritionucanlivewith.com >
"Ask the Parkinson Dietitian"  http://www.parkinson.org/
"Eat well, stay well with Parkinson's disease"
"Parkinson's disease: Guidelines for Medical Nutrition Therapy"
http://www.nutritionucanlivewith.com/