Four-Week Low-Glycemic Index Breakfast With a Modest Amount of Soluble Fibers in Type 2 Diabetic Men
Morvarid Kabir, Jean-Michel Oppert, Hubert Vidal, Francoise Bruzzo, Caroline Fiquet, Pierre Wursch,
Low-glycemic index diets are associated with a wide range of benefits when followed on a chronic basis. The chronic effects, however, of the substitution of 1 meal per day are not well known in diabetic subjects. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate whether the chronic use of a low-glycemic index breakfast (low-GIB) rich in low-GI carbohydrates and a modest amount of soluble fibers could have an effect on lipemia at a subsequent lunch, and improve glucose and lipid metabolism in men with type 2 diabetes. A total of 13 men with type 2 diabetes were randomly allocated in a double-blind cross-over design to a 4-week daily intake of a low-GI versus a high-GI breakfast separated by a 15-day washout interval. The low-GI breakfast was composed of whole grain bread and muesli containing 3 g -glucan from oats. Low-GIB induced lower postprandial plasma glucose peaks than the high-GIB at the beginning (baseline, P < .001) and after the 4-week intake (P < .001). The incremental area under the plasma glucose curve was also lower (P < .001, P < .01, baseline, and 4 weeks, respectively). There was no effect on fasting plasma glucose, insulin, fructosamine, or glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA ). Fasting plasma cholesterol, as well as the incremental area under the cholesterol curve, were lower (P < .03, P < .02) after the 4-week low-GIB period than after the high-GIB period. Apolipoprotein B (apo B) was also decreased by the 4-week low-GIB. There was no effect of the low-GI breakfast on triacylglycerol excursions or glucose and insulin responses at the second meal. The high-GIB, however, tended to decrease the amount of mRNA of leptin in abdominal adipose tissue, but had no effect on peroxisome proliferator- activated receptor ␥ (PPAR␥) and cholesterylester transfer protein (CETP) mRNA amounts. In conclusion, the intake of a low-GI breakfast containing a modest amount (3 g) of -glucan for 4 weeks allowed good glycemic control and induced low plasma cholesterol levels in men with type 2 diabetes. The decrease in plasma cholesterol associated with low-GI breakfast intake may reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular complications in subjects with type 2 diabetes. Copyright 2002, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved. CONCERNS ABOUT USING high-carbohydrate diets in lowingamealisrecognizedtobeaccentuatedbycarbohydrate-
diabetes1 because of adverse effects on triglycerides and
induced hyperinsulinemia.20 Thus, decreased plasma glucose
high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels,2 are overcome by
excursions and improved insulin sensitivity following a low-GI
recommending carbohydrates that give low postprandial
mealeaten at breakfast might enhance tolerance for carbohy-
plasma glucose responses.3,4 For over half a century, it has been
postulated that the increase in blood glucose was less pro-
The acute effects of low- or high-GI breakfasts have been
nounced after the consumption of starchy foods than after the
evaluated in normal healthy subjects. Few studies have evalu-
consumption of foods containing simple carbohydrates.
ated the chronic effect of these breakfasts in type 2 diabetic
Starchy foods have been recognized as the main candidate for
reducing glycemic and insulinemic responses. However, coin-
In this perspective, therefore, we aimed to evaluate the
cidentalwith recommendations to increase the intake of starchy
effects of a low-GI breakfast on both glucose and lipid metab-
foods has been the recognition that the glycemic responses to
olism in men with type 2 diabetes. We aimed also to evaluate
all starches are not the same and that starches are not inter-
the effects of a low-GI breakfast on hyperlipidemia at a sub-
changeable.5,6 The glycemic index (GI) of foods has, thus, been
sequent lunch. Furthermore, we determined the expression of
established and used to classify foods according to their blood
some lipid-related enzymes: cholesterylester transfer protein
(CETP), leptin, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor
Although the use of low-GI carbohydrates in the diet of
␥ (PPAR␥), because in a previous study from our laboratory, a
patients with type 2 diabetes is still debated,7,8 epidemiologic
similar diet for rats was found to decrease the satietogenic
studies demonstrated that the GI of the diet may be an impor-
factor, leptin, as well as some lipid-related enzymes.23
tant factor in preventing non–insulin-dependent diabetes.9,10Beneficialeffects of such a diet have been demonstrated indiabetic and normal subjects when the diet is followed during
From the INSERM U341 Department of Diabetes, A.P. Hoˆtel-Dieu
the 3 meals of the day on a short- or long-term basis.11-15
Hospital, EA 3502 University Paris, VI, Paris, France; INSERM U449,
For practicalpurposes, we aimed to change onl
Lyon, France; and the Nestle Product Technology Center, Orbe, Swit-
during the day. Breakfast was chosen because it is frequently
found that at this meal, diabetic patients require more insulin
Submitted July 13, 2001; accepted January 2, 2002.
than for an isocaloric midday or evening meal.16,17 More-
Supported by grants from the NationalInstitute of Heal
over, some patients are hyperglycemic throughout the day,
MedicalResearch (INSERM), Pierre and Marie Curie University, andNestle Center, Orbe, Switzerland.
while others are mainly hyperglycemic in the morning (partic-
Address reprint requests to Salwa W. Rizkalla, MD, PhD, Depart-
ularly after breakfast) and less hyperglycemic at noon and
ment of Diabetes, INSERM U341, Hoˆtel-Dieu Hospital, 1, place du
postlunch.18 It has been suggested that insulin sensitivity and
Parvis Notre Dame, 75004 Paris, France.
glucose responses during the second meal may be related to the
Copyright 2002, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.
effect from the preceding carbohydrate challenge.19 Moreover,
the magnitude of the increase in plasma triacylglycerols fol-
Metabolism, Vol 51, No 7 (July), 2002: pp 819-826
Table 1. Clinical Characteristics of the Subjects at the Time of Screening
NOTE. Order: randomization of the subjects to start with a high-GI dietary period then a low-GI dietary-period (H/L) or to start with a low-GI
then a high-GI dietary period (L/H).
Abbreviations: BW, body weight; BMI, body mass index; FBG, fasting blood glucose; TG, triglycerides.
Before entering into the study, the subjects had been seen on a
regular basis (at least every 6 months) in our department. All were well
A totalof 13 men with type 2 diabetes were recruited from patients
attending the outpatient clinic of the Department of Diabetes of Hoˆtel-
educated, especially concerning the type and quantity of foods they
Dieu Hospital. Patients were selected on the basis of having fasting
should consume. Each subject entered a run-in period of 1 month.
plasma glucose of 7.7 to 13.0 mmol/L, glycosylated hemoglobin
Patients received individualcounseling by a dietitian concerning di-
(HbA ) 6.5% to 11%, and plasma triacylglycerols lower than 3
etary food intake. In addition, counseling sessions (in small groups)
mmol/L. Due to known plasma glucose and insulin variations by
were conducted during the run-in period. During this period, we asked
estrogen and progesterone modifications, women were excluded from
them to follow their usual diet more strictly. Patients were recom-
mended to consume 55% of their caloric intake as carbohydrate, 15%
The clinical and biological characteristics of these subjects are given
as protein, and 30% as lipids. Dietary intake was prescribed individu-
in Table 1. Patients with abnormal renal, hepatic, and thyroid functions
ally according to data obtained from dietary questionnaires to maintain
as determined by physical examination, blood cell count, and standard
the initialcaloric intake and nutrient proportions constant throughout
blood biochemical profile were excluded. Similarly, patients suffering
from gastrointestinaldisorders were prohibited from entering the study.
Before the beginning of each treatment period, dietary question-
Twelve patients were taking oral antidiabetic agents (sulfonylurea
naires were obtained again (baseline data, recall technique) to
and/or metformin) and 1 patient on an antidiabetic dietary regimen
maintain the initialcaloric intake and nutrient proportions constant
alone. One patient was receiving an ␣-glucosidase inhibitor (acarbose).
throughout the study. To assess compliance with the dietary recom-
He was asked to stop the treatment 4 weeks before the beginning of the
mendations, patients were asked to keep a food diary to be com-
study. None of the patients were being or had been treated with insulin.
pleted on the last 7 days of each treatment period. Household
Four patients were being treated for hypertension with -blockers,
measuring cups or spoons and photographed food pictures were
angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, antidiuretics, and/or
used to quantify proportion sizes of foods eaten. When each subject
returned his records at the end of each 7-day period, the dietitian
Despite the fact that sulfonylureas and metformin have very different
checked the contents of the records and clarified any ambiguous
mechanisms of action, the observed results might not be due to differ-
information with the subject. These records were analyzed using the
ent therapies: all patients continued and kept constant all therapies
computer program Profile Dossier V3 software (Audit Conseil en
throughout the whole study period. Moreover, the results of the low-GI
Informatique Me´dicale, Bourges, France) whose dietary database is
period were compared with those of the high-GI period in the same
made up of 400 foods or groups of foods representative of the
patient with the same accompanied treatments.
French diet. French food contents were obtained from CiqualRep-
The purpose, nature, and potentialrisks of the study were explained,
ertory.24 There was approximately 10% of missing values. If a food
and a written informed consent was obtained from all participants. The
described by a subject was not in the database, the ingredients of
ethics committee of Hoˆtel-Dieu Hospital approved the experimental
recipes or manufacturer’s information were used to complete coding
The patients were free-living and attended the department once/
week. They were asked to maintain their usualhabitualdiet throughout
The patients were randomly allocated in a cross-over design to 2
the study apart from the breakfasts that were provided according to the
periods of 4 weeks with a daily breakfast consisting of either low- or
experimentalperiod, being low- or high-GI. During the washout, period
high-GI carbohydrates with a modest amount of -glucan. The 2
patients followed their habitual diets throughout the day even during
nutritionalperiods were separated by a 15-day washout interval.
LOW-GLYCEMIC INDEX BREAKFAST AND TYPE 2 DIABETES
Table 2. Composition of Low- and High-GIB
Abbreviations: Q, quantity of each product; prot, protein; L, lipids; E, energy; CHO, available carbohydrates.
*Cereal based on extruded oat bran concentrate, apple and fructose in the low-GIB period. In the high-GI period, cereals formed of whole wheat
†Bread was pumpernickel in the low-GIB period and wholemeal bread (wheat flour) in the high-GIB period.
lipoprotein (HDL) and apolipoprotein (apo) A1 and B were also mea-sured.
The size of the mealwas fixed prior to the study and based on each
patient’s dietary record taken before the study. Treatment foods for
breakfast were provided to the subjects and prescribed to meet 20% ofdaily energy requirements. The composition of the 2 experimental
Patients were asked to maintain a constant lifestyle throughout the
breakfasts is shown in Table 2. In the high-glycemic index breakfast
study. Physicalactivity was assessed by recallquestionnaires. The kind
(GIB) period (calculated total GI, 64%), the cereal used was whole
of activity and its frequency, as well as the mode and duration of
wheat grains (Weetabix, Burton Latimer, Kettering, Northants, UK; GI,
transportation to and from work, were questioned. Patients’ physical
69%), whereas the bread used was whole meal bread (wheat flour) with
activity remained constant during the study.
a GI of 69%. In the low-GIB period (calculated total GI, 40%), thecerealused was based on extruded oat bran concentrate, apple, and
fructose (muesli containing 3 g -glucan from oats, offered by Nestle,
Plasma glucose was measured by the glucose-oxidase method with a
Orbe, Switzerland; GI, 41%). The bread used was pumpernickel (GI,
glucose analyzer (Beckman, Fullerton, CA). Plasma insulin was deter-
41%). The breads were prepared and donated by Jackson, Eury, France.
mined by radioimmunoassay. The antiserum used in the test showed a
In the high-GIB, we have used breads and cereals with only a mean
cross-reactivity of 100% with human insulin. Triglycerides and free
GI of 64% and not higher. Breads and cereals with higher glycemic
fatty acids were determined by using Biome´rieux kits (Marcy-l’Etoile,
indices have lower fiber content than those used in the low-GIB. In an
France). Total, free, and esterified cholesterol were also measured using
attempt to keep constant the amount of fibers in the 2 breakfasts, we
Labintest kits (Aix-en-Provence, France). Apo AI and apo B were
used high-GI cereals and breads with a fiber content comparable to
determined by an immunochemicalassay with Behring kits (Mauburg,
Germany). Samples were taken in triplicate for the measurements of
Breads and cereals used were analyzed for fat, protein, and dietary
plasma glucose and insulin; for other measurements, single samples
fiber using standard Association of Analytical Communities (AOAC)
methods, with available carbohydrate calculated by difference. -glu-can in the cereal products was analyzed following the method described
Gene Expression of CETP, Ob, and PPAR␥
RNA preparation. The RNA from adipose tissue (about 80 to 100
mg of frozen tissue) was obtained by using the Rneasy totalRNA kit
(Qiagen, Courtaboeuf, France) as previously indicated.26 The absorp-
At the beginning and the end of each nutritionalperiod, subjects
tion ratio 260 to 280 nm was between 1.7 and 2.0 for all preparations.
were hospitalized from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM after an overnight fast. A
RNA integrity was verified on agarose gelelectrophoresis. Average
sample of abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue was obtained by
yields were similar in samples obtained after the low- (17 Ϯ 3 g of
needle biopsy using a 14-gauge needle and a 30-mL syringe under local
RNA/g/tissue) and the high-GI breakfast (16 Ϯ 4 g of RNA/g/tissue).
anesthesia with xylocaine 10% without adrenaline. The tissue obtained
Total RNA was stored at – 80°C for less than 1 month before analysis.
was rapidly frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored at -80°C. Then, during
Quantification of target mRNAs. Human PPAR␥, leptin, and CETP
the same day, an indwelling cannula was inserted into an antecubital
mRNAs were quantified by reverse transcriptase (RT)-competitive
vein. This cannula served for the hourly withdrawal of blood samples
polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which consists of coamplification of
during the metabolic profile. At 9:00 AM, each subject consumed a
target cdNA with known amounts of a specific DNA competitor mol-
breakfast (low- or high-GI) that was the same as during the chronic
ecule added in the same PCR tube.27 The RT reactions were performed
period. At 12:00 PM, a standard mealwas served providing 45% of
from 0.1 g totalRNA/g/tissue in the presence of 1 of the specific
energy as carbohydrate, 40% as lipids, and 15% as proteins. The
antisense primers and 2.5 U of a thermostable RT (Tth; Promega,
standard mealwas of the same quantity and composition for allof the
Charbonnie`res, France) as previously described.27 Fluorescent dye-
subjects at all times. Blood samples were collected in the fasting state
labeled sense primers were used in the PCR, and the amplified products
at time 0 and then hourly during the 7 hours of metabolic profile. Blood
were separated and analyzed on an ALFexpress DNA sequencer (Phar-
samples were centrifuged and plasma was frozen (-20°C) for further
macia, Uppsala, Sweden) using the Fragment Manager software (Phar-
measurements of plasma glucose, insulin, and lipids (triglycerides,
macia).28 Absence of contamination with genomic DNA was checked
cholesterol, and free fatty acids). At time 0, HbA , high-density
by omitting RT in the reaction. The construction of the competitor
DNA molecules, the sequence of the primers, and the validation of the
macronutrients were unchanged. Concomitantly, body weight
RT-competitive PCR assay for PPAR28 and leptin26,27 mRNAs have
was comparable after the 2 periods of low- and high-GIBs
The analyses take into account the design of the experiment, the
type, and the distribution of the variables.14,29 For continuous variables
with normal distribution, a multiple analysis of variance followed by a
fected by the chronic changes in the type of breakfast (Table 3).
post hoc test (LSD) was used using CSS statisticalpackage (StatSoft,
However, there were some differences in the plasma glucose
Tulsa, OK). The main factors considered in the analysis were the
and insulin profiles between the 2 breakfasts at the beginning
following: treatment (with 2 levels: low-GIB and high-GIB), time (with
and the end of the chronic periods. With the high-GIB, plasma
2 levels: baseline and 4-week diet), and order (with 2 levels). The mean
glucose increased more rapidly to give high peaks in the
value at the end of each diet minus the baseline value before each diet
beginning (baseline data, high-GIB v low-GIB, P Ͻ .001) and
was used as the basis of a test of different carryover effects between the
at the end (4 weeks, P Ͻ .001) of the nutritionalperiod. Plasma
2 diets. For continuous variables with normal distribution, a test for
insulin peaks showed the same profiles (but not significantly
different carryover effects at the 10% level was used. If the test was notsignificant, a t test for different treatment effects at the 5% level was
different). After these postprandial peaks, blood glucose con-
used. If the carryover test was significant, only data from the first
centrations decreased with the high-GI starch breakfast dipping
dietary period were used in comparisons of treatment effects. If the
below the fasting values in some patients (results not shown).
usualassumption for t test did not hold or if the data were on an ordinal
The area under the glucose curve after breakfast was signifi-
scale, the Mann-Whitney U test replaced the t test. Results are ex-
cantly greater for the high-GIB than after the low-GIB at the
beginning and the end of the nutritionalperiod (P Ͻ .01) asshown in Table 3. These results validate the use of 2 breakfasts
with different postprandial plasma glucose responses. Therewas no significant difference in plasma glucose and insulin
Patients followed the 2 dietary periods without any difficulty.
excursions after lunch during the the 2 nutritional periods.
The 2 breakfasts were well tolerated, without any complaints or
As shown in Tables 4 and 5, a 4-week consumption of the
side effects. According to self-report, subjects’ lifestyles re-
low-GIB induced a 10% decrease (total relative difference) in
mained unchanged throughout the entire study. There was no
fasting totalcholesterol(P Ͻ .03). Fasting cholesterol before
effect of crossover design (low- or high-GIB) or diet by period
the 4-week low-GIB period was found to be slightly higher (but
interaction for any of the parameters studied.
stillin the normalrange) than before the high-GI dietary period,despite the cross-over design of the study. Consequently, it is
more physiologic to compare statistically the differences during
Results of the 7-day records at the end of the 2 nutritional
each period (baseline data-4-week data, high-GIB v low-GIB)
periods demonstrated that daily intakes of total energy and
rather than the effect at the end of the 4-week period. This
Table 3. HbA , Plasma Glucose, and Insulin Concentrations at Baseline and After 4 Weeks of Low- and High-GIB
NOTE. Data are mean Ϯ SEM (n ϭ 13). Abbreviation: NS, not significant.
*Results during the 1-day metabolic profile taken just before (data in the fasting state) or after the respective breakfast.
†Real chronic dietary effect: the delta (4-week data-baseline data) during the high-GI dietary period was compared with the delta during the
aSignificant acute dietary effect after a single breakfast at the beginning of the chronic dietary period (baseline data, high-GI v low-GI). bSignificant effect after a single breakfast at the end of the chronic dietary periods (4-week data), high-GI v low-GI. ‡P Ͻ .001, §P Ͻ .01. Theseresults validated the fact that the 2 breakfasts had different glycemic responses at the beginning (a) and the end of the study (b) AUC is expressed
LOW-GLYCEMIC INDEX BREAKFAST AND TYPE 2 DIABETES
Table 4. Circulating Lipid and Lipoprotein Concentrations at Baseline and After 4 Weeks of Low- and High GIB
NOTE. Data are mean Ϯ SEM (n ϭ 13). Abbreviation: NS, not significant.
*Responses to a single low-GI or high-GI breakfast during the 1-day meiabolic profile before (baseline data) or after the 4-week dietary periods
†Real chronic dietary effect: the delta (4-week data -baseline data) during the high-GI dietary period was compared with the delta during the
comparison reflects correctly the effect of the dietary interven-
terol response curves during the 7-hour profile day were also
tions and eliminates the influence of nonspecific baseline vari-
lower (P Ͻ .02 and Ͻ .04, respectively) after the period with
ations. The same situation was found for mean cholesterol and
the low-GIB than after the high-GIB (Table 4).
mean free cholesterol after a single low-GIB during the 1-day
There was no significant difference in the fasting levels or
metabolic profile, before the beginning of the chronic period
the area under the curves for triacylglycerols and free fatty
(baseline data). This finding might be due simply to initially
acids (baseline-4 week) after breakfasts. Similarly, there was
slightly higher fasting levels. Again, it was the delta (baseline
no detectable effect of the low-GIB on triacylglycerol and free
data-4-week data) that was compared taking into consideration
fatty acid excursions at the lunch meal. Apo B was found to be
the order of the 2 interventions. The changes (baseline-4 week)
lower (P Ͻ .03) after 4 weeks of the low-GIB compared with
in the incrementalarea under the plasma totaland free choles-
the high-GIB (basal– 4 week) as shown in Table 4. Table 5. Individual Changes in Circulating Total Cholesterol Concentrations at Baseline and After 4 Weeks of Low- and High-GIB
NOTE. Total cholesterol values are expressed as mmol/L. Results during the 1-day metabolic profiles taken just before (data in the fasting state)
the respective breakfasts. Different letters in the same row indicate significant difference (P Ͻ .03). PPAR␥, Leptin, and CETP mRNAs
well as low cholesterol levels. In the present study, the fiber
content of the 2 breakfasts was the same. Consequently, the
successfully performed for 6 patients after the 2 dietary periods.
quantity of fiber could not be implicated in the observed low
There was no difference in the amount of PPAR␥ (16.8 Ϯ 4 v
postprandial glycemic responses found or in the low choles-
17.3 Ϯ 3.7 amol/g totalRNA) or CETP (2.1 Ϯ 0.5 v 2.3 Ϯ 0.6
terol levels induced after 4 weeks of such a breakfast.
amol/g totalRNA) mRNAs at the end of the low-GIB and the
However, the low-GIB contained 3 g of -glucan. Jenkins et
high-GIB periods, respectively. The RNAm of ob, however,
al34 showed that the increase in postprandialglucose and
showed a trend toward a decrease in most of the subjects (n ϭ
insulin concentrations were reduced after meals containing
6) when the end of the high-GIB period was compared with the
viscous soluble fibers. Guar, psyllium, -glucan, and pectin
end of the low-GIB period (3.5 Ϯ 1.0 v 1.3 Ϯ 0.7 amol/g total
were allfound to flatten postprandialglycemia more consis-
RNA, respectively), (amol ϭ attomol ϭ 10-18mol).
tently than wheat bran and other insoluble particulate fi-bers.35 The decrease of cholesterol levels by the addition ofsoluble fibers present in oat bran was found in many studies.
In a meta-analysis of the literature of clinical trials of free
The replacement of a high-GIB by a low-GIB for 4 weeks
living subjects,36 reduction in cholesterol levels was found
in type 2 diabetic patients in the present study lowered
in subjects who had initially high blood cholesterol levels
postprandial plasma glucose peaks, as well as plasma glu-
(Ͼ 5.9 mmol), particularly when a daily dose of 3 g soluble
cose and insulin responses. The effect of a low-GIB was
fiber was used. The reduction was on average 6%. A single
found after the consumption of the breakfast meal(during
dose of oat bran cerealcontaining approximately 4g -glu-
the 1-day profile) at the beginning of the study, as well as at
can taken by hypercholesterolemic patients for 3 weeks
the end of the 4-week nutritionalperiod. These daily dietary
produced an 11% decrease in total serum cholesterol.32 A
changes over 4 weeks was insufficient to improve either
lack of an effect, however, was reported by Lovegrove et
or fructosamine, but were quite enough to improve
al37 in a UK population. In our study with only 3 g -glucan,
a 10% reduction of cholesterol was found after a 4-week
The present study demonstrated for the first time reduced
intake. -glucan might decrease cholesterol levels by in-
cholesterol levels by 4 weeks of a low-GI meal taken once a
creasing fecal steroid secretion or short chain volatile fatty
day in the morning in normocholesterolemic subjects. This
acid production.38 Whatever the mechanism might be, the
decrease in plasma cholesterol levels (-10%) might be due to
decrease in cholesterol found in our study was due likely to
changing the type of carbohydrates (in bread and cereals) from
the association of -glucan with low-GI carbohydrates in the
high-GI to low-GI during the breakfast meal for 4 weeks. In the
literature, there is an important body of evidence in support of
Changing breakfast from a high-GI to a low-GI had no
impact on postprandial plasma glucose, insulin, or triacylglyc-
during the 3 meals, but not only once at breakfast, in subjects
erol excursions after the second slightly hyperlipidemic meal
with type 2 diabetes and dyslipidemia.11,14,30,31 However, few
(lunch). Several factors influence triacylglycerol in the post-
studies demonstrated positive effects by changing only the
prandialstate. Improving insulin sensitivity was demonstrated
breakfast composition. In hypercholesterolemic type IIa pa-
to decrease postprandial triacylglycerol levels,39 whereas in-
tients, replacing a conventionalcontinentalbreakfast by a sin-
creasing insulin levels induced by carbohydrates was found to
gle oat bran cereal (muesli) for 3 weeks induced a decrease in
accentuate postprandial triacylglycerol excursions.20 In the
present study, the fact that insulin peaks were not significantly
lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol levels.32 Golay et al,21 however,
decreased by the low-GIB might explain the absence of any
found that switching from standard cereals (cornflakes) to slow
effect on postprandial triacylglycerol levels. This might be also
release starch cereals (muesli) at breakfast for only 2 weeks
due to the absence of any effect of the low-GIB on insulin
improved carbohydrate metabolism and reduced insulin re-
resistance or chronic glucose control.
quirements in type 2 insulin-treated diabetic patients, but no
Since high-GI diets and subsequent postprandial plasma glu-
effect on cholesterol levels was detected. A 2-week dietary
cose responses might predispose to cardiovascular complica-
period might be insufficient to decrease plasma cholesterol as
tions, as well as other metabolic diseases, such as obesity,40,41
in our study. Furthermore, in normalsubjects, a high carbohy-
we also aimed to evaluate the effect of this type of breakfast on
drate/low-GIB meal reduced free fatty acid responses to break-
the expression of some genes implicated in lipid metabolism. In
fast when compared with a low-carbohydrate breakfast. The
a previous study from our laboratory, a chronic period of
investigators did not mention any effect on cholesterol levels.33
high-GI diet was able to decrease both plasma leptin and ob
Recently, in type 2 diabetic subjects, the same group22 did not
gene expression in epididymaladipose tissue in normalrats
find an effect on plasma cholesterol levels after 6 months of
before any detectable modification in weight gain or adipose
low-GIB cereal compared with high-GIB cereal. The difference
tissue mass.23 This decrease was considered as a marker that
between this study and the present one might be due to the
predicts further weight gain.42 In the present study, however, 1
incorporation of more than 1 type of low-GI food in the
mealper day of a low-GI diet in patients with type 2 diabetes
breakfast (cereals and bread) with a modest amount of soluble
led to a trend towards a decrease of ob gene expression that did
not reach significant values. Differences of results between rat
Increasing the fiber content of the diet whether soluble or
and man might be due to the difference in quantity of low-GI
not might lead to low postprandial glycemic responses, as
food consumed during the day and/or the presence of diabetes.
LOW-GLYCEMIC INDEX BREAKFAST AND TYPE 2 DIABETES
The PPAR␥, which is one of the key messengers responsible
Using cereals and breads of low-GI carbohydrates and with
for the translation of nutritional and pharmacologic stimuli into
modest doses of soluble fibers would be of benefit to patients
changes in gene expression and differentiation pathways, did
with type 2 diabetes. Intervention to reduce plasma lipids and
not change during the nutritionalmodifications in our study. A
postprandial glycemia in patients with diabetes could reduce
third gene implicated in the cholesterol ester transfer from LDL
the risk of patients developing atherosclerotic heart diseases.
to very–low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)-cholesterol is the
Dietary intervention might be one of the major approaches in
CETP, which plays a crucial role in modifying lipoprotein
patients with diabetes and might be usefulin normalnondia-
patterns, as well as LDL size distribution. The changes in total
cholesterol in the present study were not associated withchanges in either HDL-cholesterol or CETP gene. Thus, in thepresent study, changing 1 mealper day (breakfast) from a high
to low-GI for 4 weeks in non–insulin-dependent diabetes mel-
We express our gratitude to Professor B. Guy-Grand (Nutrition
litus patients was not sufficient to modulate genes implicated in
Department, Hoˆtel-Dieu Hospital) for the opportunity to perform lipid
and lipoprotein measurements in his laboratory.
1. Fukagawa NK, Anderson JW, Hageman G, et al: High-carbohy-
17. Vlaachokosta F, Piper C, Cleason R, et al: Dietary carbohydrate,
drate, high fiber diets increase peripheral insulin sensitivity in healthy
a Big Mac, and insulin requirements in type I diabetes. Diabetes Care
young and old adults. Am J Clin Nutr 52:524-528, 1990
2. Perrotti N, Santoro D, Genovose S, et al: Effects of digestible
18. Guillausseau P: Monitoring of metabolic control in patients with
carbohydrates on glucose control in insulindependent patients. Diabe-
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