Conclusions /interpretationPooled analyses demonstrated that pulses , alone or in low-GI or high-fibre diets , improve markers of longer term glycaemic control in humans , with the extent of the improvements subject to significant inter- study heterogeneity .
Aims /hypothesisDietary non-oil-seed pulses ( chickpeas , beans , peas , lentils , etc . )
are a good source of slowly digestible carbohydrate , fibre and vegetable protein and a valuable means of lowering the glycaemic-index ( GI ) of the diet .
To assess the evidence that dietary pulses may benefit glycaemic control , we conducted a systematic review and meta- analysis of r and omised controlled experimental trials investigating the effect of pulses , alone or as part of low-GI or high-fibre diets , on markers of glycaemic control in people with and without diabetes .
Beneficial Effect of a Low Glycaemic Index Diet in Type 2 Diabetes
Low glycaemic index foods produce low blood glucose and insulin responses in normal subjects , and improve blood glucose control in Type 1 and well‐controlled Type 2 diabetic patients . We studied the effects of a low glycaemic index diet in 15 Type 2 diabetic patients with a mean fasting blood glucose of 9.5 mmol I−1 using a r and omized , crossover design . Patients were given pre‐weighed diets ( 59 % energy as carbohydrate , 21 % fat , and 24 g 1000‐kcal−1 dietary fibre ) for two 2‐week periods , with a diet glycaemic index of 60 during one period and 87 during the other . On the low glycaemic index diet  , the blood glucose response after a representative breakfast was 29 % less than on the high glycaemic index diet ( 874 ± 108 ( ± SE ) vs ± 204 ± 112 mmol min I−1 ; p < 0.001 ) , the percentage reduction being almost identical to the 28 % difference predicted from the meal glycaemic index values . After the 2‐week low glycaemic index diet , fasting serum fructosamine and cholesterol levels were significantly less than after the high glycaemic index diet ( 3.17 ± 0.12 vs 3.28 ± 0.16 mmol I−1 p < 0.05 , and 5.5 ± 0.4 vs 5.9 ± 0.5 mmol I−1 , p < 0.02 , respectively . Urinary C‐peptide excretion , as an index of insulin secretion , was 30 % lower on the low than the high glycaemic index diet ( 2.05 ± 0.30 vs 2.93 ± 0.49 nmol mmol‐creatinine−1 ; p < 0.02 ) , urinary urea was reduced by 19 % ( 347 ± 27 vs 402 ± 39 mmol 24‐h−1 ; p < 0.025 ) , consistent with enhanced colonic fermentation . These results suggest that low glycaemic index starchy foods may be beneficial in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes
Conclusions /interpretationPooled analyses demonstrated that pulses , alone or in low-GI or high-fibre diets , improve markers of longer term glycaemic control in humans , with the extent of the improvements subject to significant inter- study heterogeneity .
Aims /hypothesisDietary non-oil-seed pulses ( chickpeas , beans , peas , lentils , etc . )
are a good source of slowly digestible carbohydrate , fibre and vegetable protein and a valuable means of lowering the glycaemic-index ( GI ) of the diet .
To assess the evidence that dietary pulses may benefit glycaemic control , we conducted a systematic review and meta- analysis of r and omised controlled experimental trials investigating the effect of pulses , alone or as part of low-GI or high-fibre diets , on markers of glycaemic control in people with and without diabetes .