Dietary glycemic load, whole grains, and systemic inflammation in diabetes: the epidemiological evidence

Purpose of review The aim of this article is to present recent finding from epidemiological studies on the effects of dietary glycemic load and whole grain foods on systemic inflammation in diabetic patients and to postulate potential mechanisms. Recent findings Diets low in glycemic index/load or high in whole grain products have been associated with decreased concentrations of inflammatory markers and increased adiponectin levels among diabetic patients. These associations appear to be independent of body weight, glycemic control, and other cardiovascular risk factors. The protective effects of low glycemic load and high whole grains on systemic inflammation may be explained, in part, by reduction in hyperglycemia-induced overproduction of oxidative stress and by amelioration in insulin resistance, adiposity, dyslipidemia and hypertension. Summary Diets low in glycemic load and high in whole grains may have a protective effect against systemic inflammation in diabetic patients. Such diets can be recommended to diabetic patients for the prevention of cardiovascular complications.