Vegetables Consumption Before Carbohydrates Improves Daily Fiber Intake and Blood Sugar Levels in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

— Diabetes mellitus is one of non-communicable diseases that its prevalence increases significantly worldwide including in Indonesia. Nutrition therapy through food management is useful for improvement of the β-pancreas function in producing the insulin hormone. Changing food sequence of eating vegetables first and then carbohydrates and proteins may enhance fiber intake and improve blood sugar levels. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate the effects of vegetables consumption before carbohydrates on fiber intake and blood sugar levels. This study used randomized control trial compared the effects of eating vegetables first and then carbohydrates and proteins may enhance fiber intake and improve blood sugar levels. A number of 24 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and no complication who aged 18-65 years old. After 10 days treatment, the mean difference of fiber intake in the T1 group (2.67±0.9 g/day) was significantly higher than the mean differences of fiber intake in the C group (-0.4±1.25 g/day; p = < 0.001) and the T2 group (0.29±0.59 g/day; p = < 0.001). Meanwhile, a significant lower the mean difference of blood sugar levels was observed in the T1 group (-48.00±23.96 g/dL), compared to the mean difference of blood sugar levels in the C group (-9.25±32.15 g/dL; p = 0.01). Vegetables consumption before carbohydrate increases daily fiber intake and decreases blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 mellitus.