Study Says Less Sugar Intake, More on Fiber Consumption Can Reduce Type 2 Diabetes Risk for Hispanic Teenagers

The study found that 59% of all participants increased their fiber consumption by an average of five grams per day, resulting in an average of 10% less visceral fat, which is known to increase the risk of diseases such as diabetes.

09/04/09 Hispanic teenagers might lessen some risk factors for type 2 diabetes by slightly reducing their sugar intake and increasing fiber consumption, according to a study conducted by researchers at the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine and the L.A. County-USC Medical Center, the Los Angeles Times' "Booster Shots" reports. The study, published in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, examined the effect of dietary and activity changes on body composition and metabolism.

The study included 54 Hispanic teens who had an average age of 15. They were split into three groups: those who attended one nutrition class a week, those who attended one nutrition and one strength training class per week, and those who received no health-related intervention.

Researchers found that 55% of all participants -- even those in the control group who received no health-related intervention -- reduced their sugar consumption by 47 grams each day, which accounted for an average 33% decrease in insulin secretion. In addition, the study found that 59% of all participants increased their fiber consumption by an average of five grams per day, resulting in an average of 10% less visceral fat, which is known to increase the risk of diseases such as diabetes.

Researchers said the teenagers in the control group might have changed their diets because they knew the purpose of the study and were more motivated to make changes. They added that because the control group members also changed their diets, "intensive interventions may not be necessary to achieve modification in sugar and fiber intake" (Stein, "Booster Shots," Los Angeles Times, 4/7).