Carbohydrates are nutrients that directly raise blood sugar levels. Patients with diabetes typically regulate their carbohydrate intake to prevent rapid blood sugar spikes. However, the ratio of protein and fat should also be considered as much as carbohydrates. Recently, research has shown that the nutrients that trigger insulin secretion vary from person to person.

 

Today's Diabetes Letter: a two-line summary

1. Each person's insulin response varies for each nutrient.

2. Create a personalized meal plan and monitor blood sugar levels regularly.

 

Insulin secretion varies for each nutrient.

A research team from the University of British Columbia in Canada analyzed the pancreatic islets of 140 cadaver donors, including patients with diabetes. Pancreatic islets are clusters of various endocrine cells, including insulin-secreting beta cells, and are endocrine organs. The team exposed the pancreatic islets to ▲carbohydrates, ▲proteins, and ▲fats, then measured the insulin response.

According to the analysis, most pancreatic islet cells showed the strongest insulin response to carbohydrates, but 9% responded better to proteins and 8% to fats. Proteins and fats do not raise blood sugar levels as much as carbohydrates, but they affect insulin resistance over the long term, preventing insulin from functioning effectively in the body.

 

In the study on blood glucose response based on the composition of macronutrients in foods and meals, it was also found that factors such as protein, fat, and dietary fiber content, in addition to carbohydrates, influence blood glucose response. In other words, blood glucose response may vary not only depending on the meal menu and nutrient composition but also on the insulin secretion response to each nutrient. Therefore, it is advisable to prioritize understanding the blood glucose response and its flow accordingly.

 

It's good to compare your blood sugar levels before and after eating.

 

Since each person has different food digestion abilities and food breakdown capabilities, the blood sugar fluctuations and insulin secretion levels according to individual nutrients may vary. To identify differences in insulin secretion for each nutrient among diabetic patients, blood sugar changes after food intake must be monitored individually. Professor Lee Min-kyung of the Department of Endocrinology at Myongji Hospital states, "By regularly monitoring blood sugar changes through continuous glucose monitoring devices or self-monitoring of blood glucose, it is possible to get a certain understanding."

Even if it is a bit cumbersome, check your blood sugar levels before and after consuming carbohydrate foods, protein foods, and fat foods respectively. Each food should be consumed in the same amount. Based on the measured blood sugar information, plan meals that can make post-meal blood sugar levels more stable. The food with the greatest fluctuation in blood sugar levels can be considered the nutrient that elicits the highest insulin response.

 

Customized diet plan needed

 

The above research results suggest that personalized meals are necessary for each diabetic patient. Currently, the trend in diabetes treatment also emphasizes patient-centered, individualized, and tailored care.

 

According to the 2023 Diabetes Management Guidelines by the Korean Diabetes Association, "There is no ideal intake ratio of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats that consistently benefits all diabetes patients. It is recommended to individualize the approach by carefully assessing the patient's medical condition, metabolic goals, and preferences."

 

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Everyone's digestion ability is really different.

Our staff also eat very quickly.

 

I think lunch naturally makes me eat less rice.

 

Eating slowly is also important.