(Diabetes) Just reduce carbohydrates? The nutrients that affect insulin vary from person to person.

Carbohydrates are nutrients that directly raise blood sugar levels. It is common for diabetic patients to regulate their carbohydrate intake to prevent rapid spikes in blood sugar. However, the proportion of protein and fat should be considered just as much as carbohydrates. Recently, research has shown that the nutrients that trigger insulin secretion vary from person to person.

 

Today's Diabetes Letter Two-Line Summary

1. The insulin response to each nutrient varies from person to person.

2. Plan a personalized meal plan and monitor your blood sugar regularly.

 

Insulin secretion varies by nutrient

A research team at the University of British Columbia in Canada analyzed the pancreatic islets of 140 deceased donors, including diabetic patients. Pancreatic islets are aggregates of various endocrine cells, which are endocrine organs densely packed with insulin-secreting beta cells. The research team exposed the pancreatic islets to carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, respectively, and then measured the insulin response.

Analysis results showed that while most pancreatic islet cells responded most strongly to carbohydrates, 9% responded better to protein and 8% to fat. Although proteins and fats do not raise blood sugar levels as much as carbohydrates, they affect insulin resistance in the long term, preventing insulin from functioning effectively in the body.

 

A study on blood glucose response based on the composition of macronutrients in foods has also shown that, in addition to carbohydrates, the content of protein, fat, and dietary fiber affects blood glucose response. In other words, since blood glucose response can vary not only depending on the meal menu and nutrient composition but also on the insulin secretion response to each nutrient, it is advisable to prioritize understanding the blood glucose response and trends accordingly.

 

It is good to compare your blood sugar levels before and after eating at least once.

 

Because each person's ability to digest and break down food varies, the range of blood sugar fluctuations and insulin secretion can differ depending on individual nutrients. To identify these nutrient-specific differences in insulin secretion among diabetic patients, blood sugar changes must be monitored individually after food intake. Professor Lee Min-kyung of the Department of Endocrinology at Myongji Hospital states, "It is possible to assess this to some extent by periodically monitoring blood sugar changes through a continuous glucose monitor or self-monitoring of blood glucose."

Even if it is a bit inconvenient, please check your blood sugar levels before and after consuming carbohydrate, protein, and fatty foods, respectively. You must consume the same amount of each food. Based on the measured blood sugar data, plan meals that can stabilize post-meal blood sugar levels. Foods that cause the greatest fluctuation in blood sugar can be considered the nutrients with the highest insulin response.

 

Need a customized diet

 

The results of the study suggest that personalized diets are necessary for each diabetic patient. The current trend in diabetes treatment also places emphasis on patient-centered, individualized, and customized care.

 

According to the 2023 Korean Diabetes Association Guidelines for Medical Nutritional Therapy, “There is no ideal intake ratio of carbohydrates, protein, and fat that demonstrates consistent benefits for all diabetic patients. It is recommended to individualize the regimen by closely evaluating the patient’s medical condition, metabolic goals, and preferences.”

 

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Everyone's digestive ability is really different.

Our staff also eat very fast,

 

I think I naturally end up eating less rice for lunch.

 

The habit of eating slowly is also important.