Enhanced glycemic control and cardiovascular risk reduction in type 2 diabetes patients using quantified tableware: A randomized controlled study

Abstract

In diabetes, nutrition therapy necessitates effective management strategies to improve blood glucose levels, blood pressure, and lipid profiles, thereby lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. Tableware is a food-level strategy to accurately measure food consumed and control food portion size. This prospective, randomized study investigated the impact of quantified tableware (QTW) on glycemic control in T2DM patients. Conducted at Mackay Memory Hospital, Taiwan, from August 2015 to December 2016, the study included 94 adult T2DM participants with poor glycemic control (HbA1c >7 %), randomly assigned to control (n = 47) and intervention (n = 47) groups. All participants received regular counseling from the dietician, while the intervention group additionally used a set of QTW designed by the Taiwanese Association of Diabetes Educators to accurately measure all the food consumed per meal in appropriate proportions. The primary aim was the change in HbA1c at 12 months. Secondary aims included achieving HbA1c < 7 %, BP < 140/90, and LDL < 100 mg/dl, known as the ABC goals (HbA1c, blood pressure, LDL). Seventy-seven patients, 43 in the control group and 34 in the intervention group completed the study. After 12 months, the intervention group showed a significant reduction in HbA1c levels compared to the control group (-0.7 ± 0.9 vs −0.2 ± 1.0 %, p = 0.037). Additionally, 32.4 % of the intervention group achieved HbA1c < 7 %, compared to 11.6 % in the control group (p = 0.026). Achievement of the LDL goal and any two of the ABC goals significantly increased only in the intervention group. Using QTW improved glycemic control and achievement of the LDL goal in T2DM patients. These results indicate that QTW can effectively enhance glycemic control, blood pressure, and lipid profiles in T2DM patients. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and explore broader applications.