The effect of the Global Diet Quality Score (GDQS)-based diet on glycemic control , mental health and quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes: a randomized controlled clinical trial

Abstract

Background As the most common endocrine disorder, type 2 diabetes is the main cause of more than 4% of deaths worldwide, West Asia and especially Iran is known as one of the regions in the world where the incidence of diabetes has increased significantly in recent years. Failure to control diabetes can cause side effects which reduce the patient's quality of life and increase mental disorders and the mortality rate.So dietary interventions such as a GDQS-based diet may be effective in improving biochemical and blood biomarkers and reducing risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods This is a randomized clinical trial that includes men and women patients with type 2 diabetes. In total, 94 patients with type 2 diabetes were selected based on the entry criteria. Then these patients are randomly assigned to receive the diet based on GDQS (N = 47) or the standard diet of diabetic patients (N = 47) for 12 weeks. The primary outcomes will be the assessment of blood biomarkers (HbA1C, FBS, TG, TC, HDL, LDL) and mental health including (depression, anxiety), sleep quality and quality of life. Anthropometric measurements such as height, weight, waist circumference, body fat percentage, skeletal muscle percentage, body mass index and blood pressure will be considered as secondary outcomes. All outcomes will be measured at the beginning and end (end of 12 weeks) of the study. participants ' adherence will be evaluated using a 3-day food record (2 normal days and one off day) every week. Discussion Prospective studies have shown that adherence to healthy eating guidelines, as reflected by higher dietary quality indices, is associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes.A common feature among all diets is the consumption of more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.Thus, a diet that scores high on the GDQS is associated with relatively plant-based diets.Among the foods in the GDQS, high consumption of red and processed meat, refined grains, sugar-sweetened beverages, and potatoes, especially french fries is associated with a higher risk of type 2 diabetes. However, more studies on GDQS-based diets in other populations are needed to confirm its usefulness in various populations to predict non-communicable diseases. Trial registration: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (www.irct.ir) IRCT20210427051098N4.Prospectively registered on December 1, 2023.