OBJECTIVE: To assess the influence of a non-pharmacological intervention, consisting of a diet low glycemic index (GI) for a period of six months on metabolic control and anthropometric parameters in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Ninety-six type 1 diabetic patients underwent an anthropometric, biochemical and dietary assessment before and six months after the prescription of diet based on the glycemic index. RESULTS: After six months we observed a decrease in A1C levels (9,8 ± 2,26% vs. 9,1 ± 2.16%; p = 0,023) and increase in body weight (61,3 ± 11,68 kg vs. 62,8 ± 12,07 kg; p = 0,04). CONCLUSION: A low GI diet improved glycemic control in patients with DM1. Further studies with longer time of follow-up are needed to assess if patients' adherence to this kind of diet influences the maintenance of glycemic control.
Type 1 diabetics; glycemic index; glycated hemoglobin; glycemic control
