The Glycemic Indices of Five Common Varieties of Dates in the Tested Among Healthy and Diabetic Subjects

Early Phase 1

Completed

• Conditions: Diabetes Mellitus
• Interventions: Other: Dates; Other: Glucose

• Registration Number: NCT01307904
• Lead Sponsor: United Arab Emirates University

Brief Summary

The main objectives of this study is to measure the composition of five common types of dates (Fara'd, Lulu, Abu ouma'n, Dabbas and Khalas) and to calculate their Glycemic Indices (GI) of these dates tested in healthy and diabetic subjects. Thirteen healthy volunteers and ten subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus were enrolled in the study.

The dates' flesh composition analysis showed that the dates contain a high percentage of carbohydrate (total sugars, 65-68%).

The measured mean glycemic indices of the dates among healthy individuals were 54.0, 53.5, 46.3, 49.1 and 55.1 for Fara'd, Lulu, Abu Ouma'n, Dabbas and Khalas, respectively. Corresponding mean glycemic indices among individuals with type 2 diabetes were very similar 46.1, 43.8, 51.8, 50.2, and 53.0. Thus the tested five varieties of the dates are classified as low glycemic index food items.

Detailed Description

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has transitioned rapidly over the last 40 years. This has lead to a dramatic increase in the prevalence of obesity, metabolic syndrome, dyslipidaemia, hypertension, prediabetes and diabetes. Daily consumption of dates is the norm.The main objectives of this study is to measure the composition of five common types of dates (Fara'd, Lulu, Abu ouma'n, Dabbas and Khalas) and to calculate their Glycemic Indices (GI) of these dates tested equally in healthy and diabetic subjects. Thirteen healthy volunteers and ten subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus were enrolled in the study. The dates' flesh composition analysis showed that the dates contain a high percentage of carbohydrate (total sugars, 65-68%).

The measured mean glycemic indices of the dates among healthy individuals were 54.0, 53.5, 46.3, 49.1 and 55.1 for Fara'd, Lulu, Abu Ouma'n, Dabbas and Khalas, respectively. Corresponding mean glycemic indices among individuals with type 2 diabetes were very similar 46.1, 43.8, 51.8, 50.2, and 53.0. Thus the tested five varieties of the dates are classified as low glycemic index food items with potential health benefits for healthy and diabetic individuals alike.

Study Timeline

• Status Verified: 2010-03
• Study Start: 2010-03
• Primary Completion: 2010-03
• Study Completion: 2010-07
• Study First Submitted: 2011-03-02
• Study First Submitted QC: 2011-03-02
• Last Update Submitted: 2011-03-02
• Study First Posted: 2011-03-03
• Last Update Posted: 2011-03-03

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 23

Inclusion Criteria

• Adult
• Healthy or having controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus

Exclusion Criteria

• Morbid obesity (BMI > 40)
• Presence of gastroenterological disorders
• Alimentary tract surgery
• A history of gastroenteritis in the prior six months
• Any disease that may affect glucose metabolism
• Alcohol intake
• Smoking
• Taking any medications (except metformin)
• Poorly uncontrolled diabetes (HbA1c > 8%)
• The presence of chronic diseases or the presence of acute illness

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
dates	Dates	Each healthy and diabetic subjects received 50 grams equivalent of carbohydrates of the tested dates, On five separate days.
sugar	Glucose	Each healthy and diabetic subjects received 50 grams of glucose

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Dates Glycemic Index	4 months	Measuring the composition of dates, selection of patients and carrying out the study

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Internal Medicine Department, FMHS, UAE University; 🇦🇪 Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates