In a nutshell
This study examined the effect of canola oil and a low-glycemic-load diet in type 2 diabetic patients.
Some background
A low-glycemic-load (LGL) diet is recommended for patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). An LGL diet reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD – the narrowing or blockage of blood vessels which can lead to a heart attack or stroke).
Canola oil is an edible oil which contains monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). MUFAs are plant-based fats that enhance heart health. ALA is an omega-3 fatty acid found in nuts, seeds and vegetable oils. Both MUFAs and ALA have been shown to reduce the risk of CVD. MUFAs and ALA may also reduce blood glucose (sugar) levels after eating a meal. It is not known whether a canola oil-enriched LGL diet reduces CVD risk and improves control of blood glucose levels.
Methods & findings
This study aimed to determine whether a canola oil-enriched LGL diet reduced CVD risk and improved control of blood glucose levels in patients with T2D.
This study involved 141 T2D patients treated with oral glucose-lowering medications. Participants were divided into 2 groups. One group had an LGL diet and also took a canola oil-enriched bread supplement. The other group (control) ate whole-grain foods and took a whole-wheat bread supplement. Diets were maintained for 3 months.
The HbA1c (measure of blood glucose levels over 3 months) was determined for each individual.
The canola oil-enriched LGL diet resulted in an HbA1c decrease of 0.47% to 0.40%. The control group experienced a 0.31% to 0.25% reduction in HbA1c. Participants who had a higher blood pressure had the greatest improvement in HbA1c.
The bottom line
This study concluded that a canola oil-enriched LGL diet improved control of blood glucose levels, particularly in patients with high blood pressure.
What’s next?
Consult your physician regarding the benefits of a canola oil-enriched LGL diet.
Published By :
Diabetes Care
Date :
Jun 14, 2014
