Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disease largely fueled by insulin resistance and defective insulin secretion. Nutritional modification is a central aspect of glycemic control and the prevention of diabetes-related complications. The Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, initially designed to treat hypertension, has demonstrated encouraging evidence in enhancing metabolic control in T2DM when appropriately adapted. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of a modified DASH diet on insulin resistance and glycemic control among adults with T2DM. This quasi-experimental non-randomized trial was conducted at Lady Hardinge Medical College and Associated Hospitals, New Delhi, from May 2023 to November 2024. Sixty patients with T2DM (glycated hemoglobin or HbA1c < 7.5%) were assigned to two groups: Group A (n = 30) received counseling on a modified DASH diet, and Group B (n = 30) was provided with a standard diabetic diet. Baseline and 12-week assessments consisted of fasting blood glucose (FBG), serum insulin, HbA1c, lipid profile, BMI, and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Dietary compliance was reinforced with regular follow-up. At baseline, the two groups were similar in age, BMI, and glycemic measures. Group A showed significantly greater decreases at 12 weeks in FBG (p = 0.001), HbA1c (within-group p < 0.001; between-group p = 0.057), and BMI (p < 0.001) compared to Group B. The reduction in HOMA-IR was also more significant in Group A, although intergroup changes at 12 weeks were significant at a borderline level but failed to meet the threshold for statistical significance. Generalized estimating equation analysis validated notable within-group changes in Group A in weight, BMI, and glycemic parameters. The modified DASH diet demonstrated improved glycemic control, insulin resistance, and weight results at 12 weeks compared to a normal diabetic diet. These data attest to its utility as an effective dietary approach in the overall management of T2DM.
Swami et al. (Thu,) studied this question.