More Benefits Linked to Eating a Diet High in Whole Grain and Fiber

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Whole-grain, bran, and cereal fiber intakes and markers of systemic inflammation in diabetic women, by L. Qi and colleagues. Diabetes Care 29:207–211, 2006.

What is the problem and what is known about it so far?

Type 2 diabetes is associated with inflammation and atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis is a clogging or hardening of the body's major arteries and blood vessels, and can lead to heart attacks and stroke. Vascular inflammation is a major cause of atherosclerosis.

Most people think of inflammation as the way the body responds to injury. A person who bangs his or her leg on a table may see some swelling or redness appear. This is because the body sends special blood cells to the injury site to destroy and clean up damaged cells. Vascular inflammation is common in people with type 2 diabetes. This type of inflammation occurs when the immune system breaks down. Unfortunately, vascular inflammation can hurt healthy tissue as well -- blood vessels have a hard time dilating, which blocks the flow of insulin to the liver, muscles, and other parts of the body. This prevents insulin from properly lowering the body's blood glucose levels, and it makes people more at risk for heart attack and stroke.

Why did the researchers do this particular study?

Previous studies have shown that eating whole grains and dietary fiber can lower inflammation in the overall population and therefore lower one's risk for atherosclerosis and heart-and-blood-vessel disease. However, little is known about the effect of whole grain and fiber intake among patients with diabetes. The researchers wanted to see if eating a diet high in whole grains and fiber helps lower inflammation in people with diabetes.

Who was studied?

A total of 902 women with type 2 diabetes who took part in the Nurses' Health Study.

How was the study done?

On two separate occasions (in 1986 and 1990), women who had diabetes but no history of heart problems were asked to fill out a questionnaire about their everyday diets.

The women also answered questions about their health, height and weight, and how much they exercised. In 1989 or 1990, the doctors took blood tests to measure "markers" (or signs) of inflammation.

What did the researchers find?

The women who ate higher amounts of whole grains, bran, and cereal fiber had lower markers of inflammation. In addition, women who ate a low-glycemic-index diet (or a diet rich in foods like bran, fiber, grains, fruits and vegetables, legumes, and nuts) also had lower markers of inflammation.

Women who ate a high-glycemic-index diet (or a diet rich in processed foods like corn flakes, instant potatoes, and white bread and lacking in whole grains, fiber, fruits and vegetables, etc.) had higher markers of inflammation.

What were the limitations of the study?

Because of the design of this study, the researchers cannot prove that a diet high in whole grains, bran, and cereal fiber is the cause of lower markers of inflammation. But the results, like other studies, show an evident link between such a diet and lower markers of inflammation.

What are the implications of the study?

Like other studies, the results of this study show that patients with type 2 diabetes should eat more whole grain products and follow a diet that is low in glycemic index.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

The Glycemic Index Debate: Does the Type of Carbohydrate Really Matter?

Diabetes Carbohydrate and Fat Gram Guide, 3rd Edition

Magnesium, Inflammation, and the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease