This commentary from Glenn Gaesser, PhD. explores the association between refined grain consumption and the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Current U.S. dietary guidelines recommend replacing refined grains with whole grains due to the recognized benefits of whole grains for reducing chronic disease risks.
Diabetes
Perspective: Does Glycemic Index Matter for Weight Loss and Obesity Prevention? Examination of the Evidence on “Fast” Compared with “Slow” Carbs (November 2021)
The glycemic index (GI) categorizes carbohydrates as “fast” (high-GI) or “slow” (low-GI) based on their impact on blood sugar levels. This review assessed whether dietary GI influences body weight and obesity risk using data from observational studies and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
Perspective: Refined Grains and Health: Genuine Risk, or Guilt by Association? (May 2019)
Refined grains are often implicated in adverse health outcomes, including cardiovascular disease (CVD), type 2 diabetes (T2D), and obesity, largely based on dietary pattern studies. This perspective challenges the assumption that refined grains are inherently harmful, emphasizing the need to distinguish refined grains from other elements of the Western dietary pattern.
Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Health Implications of Dietary Fiber (November 2015)
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics emphasizes the importance of consuming adequate dietary fiber from diverse plant sources. Fiber intake is associated with reduced risks of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers, as well as lower body weight.
Whole-grain foods and chronic disease: evidence from epidemiological and intervention studies (June 2015)
Whole-grain (WG) foods play a vital role in dietary recommendations, offering carbohydrates, protein, fiber, and key nutrients. Increased WG consumption is consistently linked to health benefits.
Dietary fibre and incidence of type 2 diabetes in eight European countries: the EPIC-InterAct Study and a meta-analysis of prospective studies (May 2015)
Dietary fiber has long been associated with reduced risks of chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes (T2D), but few European studies have evaluated this relationship. This research analyzed data from the EPIC-InterAct cohort across eight countries and combined it with a meta-analysis of 19 prospective studies to investigate the link between fiber intake and T2D risk.
