The Glycemic Response to High Amylose Rice Study

Abstract

Millions of people worldwide have been diagnosed with the chronic disease type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) (Wild 2004). Patients with T2DM are afflicted with abnormally high blood glucose concentrations. Diets with a low glycemic index (GI) may help to attenuate blood glucose concentrations and reduce risk of T2DM. High GI diets can have the opposite effect. Obesity, a risk factor for T2DM, can be reduced by appetite control. Dietary fiber has numerous health benefits, including blood glucose attenuation. Resistant starch (RS) is a type of dietary fiber, and is present in high amylose rice varieties. Numerous studies have found that intake of RS in solid foods, including rice, can improve postprandial blood glucose and insulin response in healthy adults. There have been a few studies on the effects of intake of RS in solid foods intake in adults with T2DM, but these studies have inconclusive findings. Also, current research on RS in solid foods and appetite is not yet well established. These studies will be discussed in detail. The prevalence of T2DM in the state of Hawaii (HI) matches the overall prevalence of T2DM in the United States. White rice, a staple in HI, is a high GI food, contributing to a high GI diet. Therefore, an alternative rice variety for glycemic control, e.g. rice with RS, needs to be determined. The following literature review discusses the current research on RS, glycemic control, and T2DM.