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Frontiers in Medical and Clinical Sciences

Open Access Peer Review International
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Glycaemic Index and Lifestyle-Based Management of Type 2 Diabetes in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Outcomes

DOI https://doi.org/10.64917/fmcs/Volume02Issue10-03
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Jane Amedzro 1 ORCID iD Kennedy Oberhiri Obohwemu 1 ORCID iD Maame Ama Owusuaa-Asante 1 ORCID iD Gordon Mabengban Yakpir 1 Rabeea Rizwan 1 ORCID iD Samrina Afzal 1 ORCID iD Ibiangake Friday Ndioho 1 Gabriel Abayomi 1 Olusunmola Osinubi 1 Oluwadamilola R. Tayo 1 Samuel Oluwatosin Adejuyitan 1 Celestine Emeka Ekwuluo 1 Bartholomew Ituma Aleke 1
4 MPH, Faculty of Health Sciences, De Montfort University, Leicester, United Kingdom
4 PhD, Department of Health & Social Care, Scholars School System, Leeds Trinity University Partnership, Birmingham Campus, United Kingdom; and PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom
4 PhD, Department of Health, Wellbeing & Social Care, Oxford Brookes University, GBS Partnership, Birmingham, United Kingdom; and PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom
4 PhD, Department of Health, Wellbeing & Social Care, Oxford Brookes University, GBS Partnership, Birmingham, United Kingdom; and PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom
4 MPhil, Department of Health & Social Care, Scholars School System, Leeds Trinity University Partnership, Birmingham Campus, United Kingdom
4 Pharm. D, Department of Health & Social Care, Scholars School System, Leeds Trinity University Partnership, Birmingham Campus, United Kingdom
4 PhD, Department of Health and Care Management, Arden University, Manchester, United Kingdom; and PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom
4 PhD,Department of Health, Wellbeing & Social Care, Oxford Brookes University, GBS Partnership, Birmingham, United Kingdom; and PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom
4 PhD,Department of Health & Social Care, Scholars School System, Leeds Trinity University Partnership, Leicester Campus, United Kingdom; and PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom
4 MPH, Department of Health & Social Care, University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Institute of Inner-City Learning, London Campus, United Kingdom; and PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom
4 MSC, School of Business and Creative Industries, University of the West of Scotland, United Kingdom; and PENKUP Research
4 MPH, Department of Nutrition, Health Sector - Crisis Response, Family Health International, Ukraine; and PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom
4 PhD, Department of Health, Wellbeing & Social Care, Oxford Brookes University, GBS Partnership, Birmingham, United Kingdom; and PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom

Abstract

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remains a significant global health challenge, disproportionately affecting individuals in low-income settings. Dietary interventions play a critical role in its management, with glycaemic index (GI) emerging as a key factor influencing glycaemic control.

Objective: This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness of low glycaemic index (LGI) diets compared to high glycaemic index (HGI) diets in managing T2DM among adults.

Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted across Cochrane Library, EMBASE, PubMed, and CINAHL databases for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) published between January 2004 and September 2016. No language restrictions were applied. Data extraction followed PRISMA guidelines, and analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.3. Risk of bias and study quality were assessed across all included trials.

Results: Six RCTs involving 604 adults met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis revealed that LGI diets led to a modest but statistically significant reduction in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) compared to HGI diets (mean difference: -0.11%; 95% CI: -0.22 to -0.01; p = 0.04), based on a fixed-effect model.

Conclusion: Incorporating LGI dietary strategies into the nutritional management of adults with T2DM yields a small yet clinically meaningful improvement in glycaemic control. These findings support the integration of GI-based dietary planning into broader diabetes care frameworks.

How to Cite

Jane Amedzro, Kennedy Oberhiri Obohwemu, Maame Ama Owusuaa-Asante, Gordon Mabengban Yakpir, Rabeea Rizwan, Samrina Afzal, … Bartholomew Ituma Aleke. (2025). Glycaemic Index and Lifestyle-Based Management of Type 2 Diabetes in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Outcomes. Frontiers in Medical and Clinical Sciences, 2(10), 28–37. https://doi.org/10.64917/fmcs/Volume02Issue10-03
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