Postprandial hyperglycemia is more strongly associated
with increased release of free radicals and proinflammatory
cytokines than fasting hyperglycemia
The increased release of these factors is responsible for
the deleterious effect of hyperglycemia on the vasculature2
A cross analysis of the intake data from 780 diabetic
men participating in the Health Professionals’ FollowUp
Study indicated that consumption of low GL diets,
independent of fiber content, may increase the serum
concentrations of adiponectin, independent of the dose;
this is an anti-inflammatory adipokine that, among
other important effects on the metabolism, contributes
to increased sensitivity to insulin.39 In another study
involving 511 elderly, higher levels of TNF-α and IL-6
were observed in the in the upper quartile of GI
compared to the lower quartile in the baseline. After
one year of monitoring, there was a decrease in levels
of adiponectin and leptin in those who consumed diets
with higher contents of GI and GL.40 Leptin is a
hormone produced by the adipose tissue, which
controls food intake.41 Thus, results of the study
performed by Bulló et al.40 suggested that consumption
of diets rich in GI and GL favor the occurrence of
obesity and diabetes mellitus type 2.
In this context, in a study conducted among women
with type 2 diabetes, it was found that consumption of
whole grains and low GI reduced systemic inflammation.42
Thus, scientific evidence suggests that different
carbohydrate types can modulate circulating levels of
pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines.
The typical western diet, rich in GI carbohydrates,
including potatoes, bread and refined grains is rapidly
digested and absorbed, resulting in increased insulin
secretion.43 Therefore, consumption of high GI foods
by insulin-resistant individuals intensifies the increase
in postprandial glycemia and insulinemia, contributing
to depletion of beta cells and development of type 2
diabetes44