Equi-Quantity, Equi-Calorie and Dose of Rice on Relative Glycemic and Insulinemic Response in Diabetic Patients

Background and aimDiabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder with high blood sugar level. The postprandial glycemic impact of foods depends on the insulin status, which is deranged completely in a type 2 diabetic person. Dietary management of this group largely focuses on the low glycemic index (GI) food, based on equi-carbohydrate comparison, to keep the blood sugar level close to normal. But we consume whole food, along with other co-nutrients, moisture, fibre etc. The present study is aiming to assess the impact of main staple food rice with regards to Equi-Quantity, Equi-Calorie and Dose on relative glycemic and insulinemic response in diabetic patients as compared to normal group.

MethodBlood samples of diabetic patients with stable blood sugar under medicinal treatment and paired normal patients (n = 6 + 6) were collected after an overnight fast and up to 2 hours post consumption of test and standard food on different occasions. Glucose and insulin levels were measured using glucometer (Abbott pharmaceuticals) and ECLIA method.

ResultEqui-quantity of rice exerts a much lower glycemic and insulinemic response in comparison with bread in both normal and diabetic individuals and the response to rice does not show a proportional increase even when the quantities are doubled. Rice has higher moisture content which acts as energy diluent, decreasing the total starch in equivalent quantities. Equi-calorie (132 kcal) quantity comparison of rice (100 g) and bread (50 g) showed a much lower glycemic and insulinemic impact on rice in diabetic individuals, even though quantity is double and satiety level reaches earlier than low moisture food bread in equi-calorie quantity. The normal individuals, with normal insulin response can control the glycemic response to lower levels than those of diabetic subject.

ConclusionRice having lower glycemic and insulinemic impact is a better suited food for diabetic individuals who already have a compromised insulin status.