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

Jane Amedzro; Kennedy Oberhiri Obohwemu; Maame Ama Owusuaa-Asante; Gordon Mabengban Yakpir; Rabeea Rizwan; Samrina Afzal; Ibiangake Friday Ndioho; Gabriel Abayomi; Olusunmola Osinubi; Oluwadamilola R. Tayo; Samuel Oluwatosin Adejuyitan; Celestine Emeka Ekwuluo; Bartholomew Ituma Aleke

doi:10.64917/fmcs/Volume02Issue10-03

Authors

Jane Amedzro MPH, Faculty of Health Sciences, De Montfort University, Leicester, United Kingdom https://orcid.org/0009-0003-5139-7730
Kennedy Oberhiri Obohwemu PhD, Department of Health & Social Care, Scholars School System, Leeds Trinity University Partnership, Birmingham Campus, United Kingdom; and PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5175-1179
Maame Ama Owusuaa-Asante PhD, Department of Health, Wellbeing & Social Care, Oxford Brookes University, GBS Partnership, Birmingham, United Kingdom; and PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9643-0237
Gordon Mabengban Yakpir PhD, Department of Health, Wellbeing & Social Care, Oxford Brookes University, GBS Partnership, Birmingham, United Kingdom; and PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom
Rabeea Rizwan MPhil, Department of Health & Social Care, Scholars School System, Leeds Trinity University Partnership, Birmingham Campus, United Kingdom https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6379-5099
Samrina Afzal Pharm. D, Department of Health & Social Care, Scholars School System, Leeds Trinity University Partnership, Birmingham Campus, United Kingdom https://orcid.org/0009-0007-8432-5556
Ibiangake Friday Ndioho PhD, Department of Health and Care Management, Arden University, Manchester, United Kingdom; and PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom
Gabriel Abayomi PhD,Department of Health, Wellbeing & Social Care, Oxford Brookes University, GBS Partnership, Birmingham, United Kingdom; and PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom
Olusunmola Osinubi PhD,Department of Health & Social Care, Scholars School System, Leeds Trinity University Partnership, Leicester Campus, United Kingdom; and PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom
Oluwadamilola R. Tayo 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
Samuel Oluwatosin Adejuyitan MSC, School of Business and Creative Industries, University of the West of Scotland, United Kingdom; and PENKUP Research
Celestine Emeka Ekwuluo MPH, Department of Nutrition, Health Sector - Crisis Response, Family Health International, Ukraine; and PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom
Bartholomew Ituma Aleke PhD, Department of Health, Wellbeing & Social Care, Oxford Brookes University, GBS Partnership, Birmingham, United Kingdom; and PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.64917/fmcs/Volume02Issue10-03

Keywords:

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Glycaemic Index, Glycaemic Control, HbA1c

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.

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