Just Slightly Reducing Sugar Intake, Increasing Fiber Consumption Reduces Type 2 Diabetes Risk for Hispanic Teenagers

Individuals who reduced added sugar intake by the equivalent of 1 can of soda per day or increased fiber intake by the equivalent of a cup of beans showed improvements in key risk factors for Type 2 diabetes, specifically in insulin secretion and visceral fat.

The improvements occurred independent of group assignment and were equally likely to occur in control group participants.

Hispanic teenagers might lessen some risk factors for Type 2 diabetes by slightly reducing their sugar intake and increasing fiber consumption, according to a study conducted by researchers at the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine and the L.A. County-USC Medical Center. The study, examined the effect of dietary and activity changes on body composition and metabolism.

The study included 54 Hispanic teens who had an average age of 15. They were split into three groups: those who attended one nutrition class a week, those who attended one nutrition and one strength training class per week, and those who received no health-related intervention.

Researchers found that 55% of all participants — even those in the control group who received no health-related intervention — reduced their sugar consumption by 47 grams each day, which accounted for an average 33% decrease in insulin secretion. In addition, the study found that 59% of all participants increased their fiber consumption by an average of five grams per day, resulting in an average of 10% less visceral fat, which is known to increase the risk of diseases such as diabetes.

Researchers said the teenagers in the control group might have changed their diets because they knew the purpose of the study and were more motivated to make changes. They added that because the control group members also changed their diets, “intensive interventions may not be necessary to achieve modification in sugar and fiber intake.”

Individuals who reduced added sugar intake by the equivalent of 1 can of soda per day or increased fiber intake by the equivalent of a cup of beans showed improvements in key risk factors for Type 2 diabetes, specifically in insulin secretion and visceral fat. Improvements occurred independent of group assignment and were equally likely to occur in control group participants.

Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, Vol. 163 No. 4, April 2009
An abstract of the study can be found online.