Diabetes, General Health

Effect of Dietary Approaches on Glycemic Control in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review with Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials

This network meta-analysis aimed to compare the impacts of various dietary patterns on the glycemic control of Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) patients.

Relevant studies were collected from several databases and other records up to 31 July 2022. The analysis considered RCTs comparing different dietary methods in T2DM patients for at least 6 months. The study utilized a network meta-analysis to determine the pooled effect of each dietary approach on HbA1c and fasting glucose.

Study Inclusion: 42 RCTs (4809 T2DM patients) were included, focusing on 10 dietary approaches.

Top Performing Diets: The ketogenic, Mediterranean, moderate-carbohydrate, and low glycemic index diets showed the most promise for controlling both HbA1c and fasting glucose.

Ranking for HbA1c Control: Ketogenic (97.5%), Mediterranean (78.1%), and low glycemic index diets (69%).

Ranking for Fasting Glucose Control: Moderate-carbohydrate (82.7%), low glycemic index (75.4%), and ketogenic diets (71%).

For T2DM patients, the ketogenic, Mediterranean, moderate-carbohydrate, and low glycemic index diets are effective for glycemic control, with the ketogenic diet emerging as superior. More long-term, high-quality studies are required to validate these findings.