Glycemic index of American-grown jasmine rice classified as high.

The primary objective was to determine the glycemic index (GI) of jasmine rice grown in the United States (US). Secondary objective was to compare the GI of US grown jasmine rice to those grown in Thailand. Twelve healthy subjects were served all four brands of jasmine rice and a reference food (glucose), each containing 50 g of available carbohydrate. Fingerstick blood glucose was measured at 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 min after consumption following a fasting state. The GI was calculated using the standard equation. The GI values for test foods ranged from 96 to 116 and were all classified as high GI foods. No difference in GI was found between American-grown and Thailand-grown jasmine rice. Although not statistically significant, observations show glycemic response among Asian American participants may be different. GI should be considered when planning meals with jasmine rice as the main source carbohydrate.

Do fiber and psyllium fiber improve diabetic metabolism?

Increasing numbers of elderly individuals with diabetes look for natural means to manage their disease to reduce diabetes-related complications. The American Diabetes Association recommends a goal of 25 g to 35 g dietary fiber daily for a healthy diet. This review focuses on recent research that explores the utility of fiber and psyllium fiber in improving glucose control in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Fiber studies show decreased glucose concentrations and decreasing all-cause mortality. Small studies looking at psyllium fiber, in particular, have shown it to be associated with lower mean daily glucose concentrations, lower postmeal glucose concentrations, fewer hypoglycemic events, lower A1C levels, and lower insulin concentrations in people with DM. Results, as well as strengths and weaknesses of the studies, are presented. Considering the available research, we recommend elderly patients who are not able to meet their fiber goals by dietary intake consider psyllium supplementation.

Student forum: Does calcium and vitamin D intake affect incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus and insulin resistance syndrome?

The past few decades have seen an enormous increase in the incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Hyperinsulinemia, hypertension, abdominal obesity, dyslipidemia, and coagulation abnormalities-which contribute to insulin resistance syndrome-are major risk factors for T2DM and heart disease. Diet plays an important role in prevention of these risk factors. Recent evidence suggests an inverse relationship among calcium, vitamin D status, and dairy intake, specifically with the development of the insulin resistance syndrome and T2DM. It has been found that there is a decrease in dairy intake in the past three decades, which runs parallel with an increase in the incidence of obesity and T2DM. As our population ages, the risk of diabetes and insulin resistance will rise, so the question is whether calcium and vitamin D (D3, cholecalciferol) supplementation is necessary or is warranted at a greater or lesser degree than the current recommendations.

Monitoring in diabetes self-management: issues and recommendations for improvement.

The American Association of Diabetes Educators hosted a Monitoring Symposium during which 18 invited participants considered pre-set questions regarding how diabetes education can more effectively address barriers to monitoring for people with diabetes and related conditions. This report provides a summary of the moderated discussion and highlights the key points that apply to diabetes educators and other providers involved with diabetes care. The participating thought leaders reviewed findings from published literature and participated in a moderated discussion with the aim of providing practical advice for health care practitioners regarding monitoring for people with diabetes so that the overall health of this population can be enhanced. The discussants also defined monitoring for diabetes as including that done by the clinician or laboratory, as well as self-monitoring. The discussion was distilled into key points that apply to diabetes educators and other providers involved with diabetes care. Participants developed specific recommendations for a self-monitoring behavior and monitoring framework. People with diabetes benefit from instruction and guidance about self-monitoring and decision making that is based on monitored results and informed interactions with providers. Importantly, collaboration among the entire diabetes care community is needed to ensure that monitoring is performed and utilized to its fullest advantage. Going forward, it will be critical to mitigate barriers to diabetes self-management and training and to identify linkages and partnerships to address barriers to self-monitoring.