Intervention of a personalized low-carbohydrate diet to reduce HbA1c level and weight in patients with Type 2 diabetes using seed-based flour as replacement for high-carbohydrate flour and foods

Abstract

Background: Globally, 425 million individuals were living with diabetes in 2017, and the numbers are expected to rise to 693 million by 2045. India, with more than 72 million people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in 2017, was reported to have the second largest population of individuals living with T2DM (https://www.diabetesatlas.org/upload/resources/previous/files/8/IDF_DA_8e-EN-final.pdf). The traditional Indian diet is heavily dependent on carbohydrates, and this acts as an obstacle for diabetes control. Carbohydrate restriction is associated with improvements in glycemic control and a reduction in the risk of the worsening of the disease and its complications. Objective: We investigate the real-world effectiveness of personalized carbohydrate reduction by using seed-based flour (sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, watermelon seeds, soya, and flaxseeds) with high-carbohydrate grain-based flour in the food along with remote health coach support for patients on the high glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels and weight loss of patients. Materials and Methods: This study is a nonrandomized outpatient intervention focusing on adults with T2DM. With their consent, patients were enrolled from four clinics across Gujarat, Ahmedabad. The key inclusion criteria focused on patients with Hba1c between 7 and 10 with a body mass index more than 25 kg/m2 from 21 to 60 years of age. The key exclusion criteria were patients with advanced renal, cardiac, or liver dysfunction, pregnancy or planned pregnancy, historical ketoacidosis problems, and patients on SGLT2 inhibitors or pre-mix insulin. The intervention was personalized carbohydrate restriction. Patients were advised to avoid high-carbohydrate food categories such as grains, sugars, and high-carbohydrate fruits. They were advised to take seeds and nuts-based flour, nonstarchy vegetables, sprouts, and berries family fruits. Patients were also provided with recipes and options for all meals of the day. No restriction was made on the intake on nonstarchy vegetables. Patients were also provided with Diahappy Health’s Health coach to constantly provide remote support to resolve queries and doubts through phones. Duration of Study: For each participant, the study was carried out for 12 weeks at a stretch. Benefits: The study demonstrates an average 2.34% drop in HbA1c levels in participants who completed the program. There was also an average weight drop of 9 kg achieved in the participants.

Keywords

• hba1c
• low-carbohydrate diet
• type 2 diabetes mellitus