Estimating glycemic impact of cooking recipes via online crowdsourcing and machine learning

National Research Foundation (NRF) Singapore under its International Research Centres in Singapore Funding Initiativ

Dietary glycemic index and load and the risk of type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and updated meta‐analyses of prospective cohort studies

Published meta-analyses indicate significant but inconsistent incident type-2 diabetes (T2D)-dietary glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL) risk ratios or risk relations (RR). It is now over a decade ago that a published meta-analysis used a predefined standard to identify valid studies. Considering valid studies only, and using random effects dose-response meta-analysis (DRM) while withdrawing spurious results (p < 0.05), we ascertained whether these relations would support nutrition guidance, specifically for an RR > 1.20 with a lower 95% confidence limit >1.10 across typical intakes (approximately 10th to 90th percentiles of population intakes). The combined T2D-GI RR was 1.27 (1.15-1.40) (p < 0.001, n = 10 studies) per 10 units GI, while that for the T2D-GL RR was 1.26 (1.15-1.37) (p < 0.001, n = 15) per 80 g/d GL in a 2000 kcal (8400 kJ) diet. The corresponding global DRM using restricted cubic splines were 1.87 (1.56-2.25) (p < 0.001, n = 10) and 1.89 (1.66-2.16) (p < 0.001, n = 15) from 47.6 to 76.1 units GI and 73 to 257 g/d GL in a 2000 kcal diet, respectively. In conclusion, among adults initially in good health, diets higher in GI or GL were robustly associated with incident T2D. Together with mechanistic and other data, this supports that consideration should be given to these dietary risk factors in nutrition advice. Concerning the public health relevance at the global level, our evidence indicates that GI and GL are substantial food markers predicting the development of T2D worldwide, for persons of European ancestry and of East Asian ancestry

It is the glycaemic response to, not the carbohydrate content of food that matters in diabetes and obesity: The glycaemic index revisited

Background: The low-carbohydrate diet for diabetes and obesity is over 200 years old. A new lease of life comes with evidence for its beneficial effects supplied by research into the value of low-glycaemic index (GI) foods in diabetes control. While trialling this approach it became evident that professionals and patients had previously misunderstood the index leading to errors in food choices. Aim: To explore the importance of the GI for those with T2D and improve understanding of the likely effect of various foods on blood glucose. Setting: A 9000 patient United Kingdom (UK) primary care practice. Methods: Relevant supporting studies were examined and data were reviewed from a previously published case-series with new data relating to the effect of the approach on the whole practice over a period of three years. An improved interpretation of the GI using a ‘teaspoons of sugar equivalent’ was developed as an aide to understanding. We looked at quality markers for diabetes and obesity such as HbA1c and weight. Results: Our approach was readily understood by patients and staff, helping to achieve significant improvements in diabetes control and weight. The practice as a whole compared to the average for the area was found to have; a significantly better quality of diabetes control, lower obesity prevalence whilst spending around £40 000 less per year on drugs for diabetes. Conclusion: Greater consideration needs to be given to the harmful effects of high-GI starchy foods in the treatment and prevention of obesity and diabetes. Patient compliance and outcomes justify our approach in a primary care setting