Comparative effects of different dietary patterns on glycemic control in community-managed patients with type 2...

Dietary patterns play a crucial role in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), particularly in community-managed settings where personalized care may be limited. This study aimed to evaluate the comparative effects of different dietary patterns on glycemic control in community-managed T2DM patients. A retrospective evaluation was conducted at our hospital, including 860 community-managed T2DM patients. Dietary patterns were identified through factor analysis, and their association with fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and postprandial 2-hour blood glucose control was assessed. Logistic regression models were adjusted for potential confounding factors, including patient demographics, clinical characteristics, and the scores of the other dietary patterns. Six distinct dietary patterns were identified: animal protein, whole grains-plant protein, nuts-fruits, refined grains-vegetables, dairy, and sugary beverages. Patients in the highest quartile (Q4) of the nuts-fruits dietary pattern had a 49.9% reduced risk of poor FPG control compared to those in the lowest quartile (Q1) (P < .001), suggesting a protective effect of this pattern. Conversely, patients in Q4 of the sugary beverages pattern had a 3.710-fold increased risk of poor postprandial glucose control compared to those in Q1 (P = .021). These findings indicate that certain dietary patterns significantly influence glycemic control, with high sugar consumption adversely impacting postprandial glucose levels. This study demonstrated that dietary patterns significantly affect glycemic control in community-managed T2DM patients. The nuts-fruits pattern improved FPG control, whereas the sugary beverages pattern worsened postprandial glucose regulation, underscoring the importance of promoting healthy, nutrient-dense diets in diabetes management.