Teaching subjects with type 2 diabetes how to incorporate sugar choices into their daily meal plan promotes dietary compliance and does not deteriorate metabolic profile

OBJECTIVE- To determine whether teaching free-living subjects with type 2 d iabetes how to incorporate added sugars or sweets into their daily meal pla n results in a greater consumption of calories (fat or sugar) and deteriora tes their glycemic or lipid profiles but improves their perceived quality o f life. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS- In an 8-month randomized controlled trial, 48 free-living subjects with type 2 diabetes were taught either a conventional (C) meal plan (no concentrated sweets) or one permitting as much as 10% of total energy as added sugars or sweets (S). Mean individual nutrient intak e was determined using the average of six 24-h telephone recalls per 4 mont hs. Metabolic control and quality of life were evaluated even 2 months. Qua lity of life was assessed using the Medical Outcome Survey and the Diabetes Quality of Life questionnaire. RESULTS- The S group did not consume more calories (fat or sugar) and in fa ct ate significantly less carbohydrate (-15 vs. 10 g) and less starch (-7 v s. 8 g) and had a tendency to eat fewer calories (-77 vs. 81 kcal) than the C group. Weight remained stable, and there was no evidence that consuming more sugar worsened metabolic profile or improved their perceived quality o f life. CONCLUSIONS- Giving individuals with type 2 diabetes the freedom to include sugar in their daily meal plan had no negative impact on dietary habits or metabolic control. Health professionals can be reassured and encouraged to teach the new "sugar guidelines," because doing so may result in a more co nscientious carbohydrate consumption.