The contribution of dietary glycemic index and glycemic load to the development of microvascular complications of diabetes

Lifestyle modification, including a healthy diet, is of paramount importance in the management of diabetes mellitus. To this end, diets have been proposed with low glycemic index (an index of carbohydrate food expressing how quickly this nutrient can increase blood glucose) and glycemic load (an index obtained by multiplying the glycemic index by the grams of carbohydrate, then dividing by 100). The aim of this review was to discuss the potential contribution of diets with low glycemic index and glycemic load in diabetic microvascular complications. Currently, their role to the prevention and delay of microvascular complications in diabetes mellitus remains unclear, and further knowledge is desirable. (c) 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Lifestyle modification, including a healthy diet, is crucial in managing diabetes mellitus. Diets with low glycemic index and glycemic load may have potential contribution to diabetic microvascular complications, but further research is needed to clarify their role.