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A 'DNA DIET' MAY HELP REDUCE TYPE 2 DIABETES RISK, NEW STUDY ARGUES


By Paul Ian Cross, PhD on March 12, 2024 — Fact checked by Sruthi Balakrishnan,
PhD
Share on PinterestCould a diet tailored to a person’s unique DNA profile curtail
their risk of diabetes? Image credit: Maja Topcagic/Stocksy.
 * New research suggests that a diet tailored to an individual’s DNA profile
   could play a role in managing blood sugar levels and reducing the risk of
   developing type 2 diabetes among high-risk individuals.
 * The pilot study, involving 148 participants, combined genetic profiling with
   personalised dietary advice, demonstrating significant improvements in blood
   glucose control compared to traditional dietary interventions.
 * This research underscores the potential benefits of using genetic data to
   tailor health interventions, however, more extensive trials are needed to
   validate these findings.



Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects how the body handles blood glucose
(sugar). With type 2 diabetes, the body does not make or use insulin
effectively.

Prediabetes is a state in which a person’s blood glucose levels are elevated
beyond the normal range, yet not sufficiently high to meet the criteria for type
2 diabetes.

This state is reversible, unlike diabetes, but without intervention, 5–13% of
individuals with prediabetes may advance to type 2 diabetes. Lifestyle changes
can cut the progression from prediabetes to type 2 diabetes by half.

Many healthcare professionals, particularly in the United Kingdom, follow
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines to promote
better diets and more exercise, though these measures can be expensive and
effort-intensive.

It is known that genetic markers can help forecast an individual’s likelihood of
developing chronic diseases often linked to diet.

For instance, modifying intake of salt and saturated fats can mitigate
cardiovascular risksTrusted Source, while altering sugar and saturated fat
consumptionTrusted Source can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.

In a new study, undertaken by Imperial College London in the United Kingdom and
DnaNudge, and published in Scientific ReportsTrusted Source, researchers
investigated diets customised to an individual’s DNA — to assist participants in
controlling blood sugar levels and decrease the chances of developing type 2
diabetes.


PERSONALISED DNA-BASED DIETS ARE A NEW APPROACH TO PREVENTING DIABETES

Researchers recruited 148 individuals with elevated blood sugar levels and
conducted initial assessments by measuring fasting plasma glucose (FPG) — the
sugar level in the blood when one has not eaten for a while — and glycated
hemoglobin (HbA1c), which indicates average blood sugar levels over the past 2
to 3 months.

Participants completed a food frequency questionnaire to provide details on
their regular consumption of specific food items.

The research team then divided the study participants into three groups:

 * the control group received dietary guidance based on NICE recommendations
   from a dietitian
 * the intervention group received both the dietitian’s coaching and a diet plan
   tailored to their DNA
 * the exploratory group, which did not receive any coaching, used DnaNudge’s
   app and wearable technology for self-guidance.

This technology allowed them to scan product barcodes to get personalised food
and beverage suggestions based on their DNA while shopping.

The researchers reassessed the participants’ FPG and HbA1c levels at intervals
of 6, 12, and 26 weeks. Initially, at the 6-week mark, there was no noticeable
difference in health outcomes between the groups.

By the time they checked in at 26 weeks, people who were following a diet based
on their DNA — whether they were using the DnaNudge app or not — had noticeable
improvements in their blood sugar levels compared to those who weren’t on this
special diet.

In simple terms, both groups trying this DNA-guided diet saw their fasting blood
sugar and HbA1c levels — which is another measure of blood sugar — drop.

While the NICE recommendations for lifestyle changes—such as incorporating
fruits, vegetables, healthy fats and whole grains into your diet—are grounded in
evidence and beneficial for the general population, the study suggests that
customising dietary advice based on an individual’s genetic profile may offer
superior benefits.

However, the researchers advise caution in interpreting these results due to the
study’s limited scale, stressing the need for validation through a larger,
randomised controlled trial.


PROMISING FINDINGS BUT MORE RESEARCH NEEDED

Dr. Stainely Williams from Community Health of South Florida Inc., not involved
in this research, told Medical News Today that “the standard practice for people
with high blood sugar levels in Europe, which in the United States we would call
‘prediabetic patients,’ is to advise people to eat foods low in starch in
consultation with a dietician.”

“This study, as it stands, doesn’t show that the standard of care should be
changed, including when it comes to implementing individualized DNA-focused diet
consultation,” he cautioned.

“But this study is promising in that it suggests it’s worth doing more studies
of greater scope,” added Dr. Williams.

“This is typical of a pilot study, which is what this is. So, this means we have
some promising data, but it hasn’t really proven anything yet, and we will need
a lot more data before we can make any recommendations based on it. As a
physician I would never make decisions for my patients based on pilot studies,”
he emphasized.

Colette Micko, RDN, registered dietitian at Top Nutrition Coaching, also not
involved in the study, told MNT that “this was a very interesting research study
in the field of nutrigenomics.”

“It shows the need for more personalized care in the field of
prediabetes/diabetes,” Micko pointed out.

> “While standards of care and general dietary advice can be impactful on
> populations, this study shows that personalized dietary interventions based on
> an individual’s DNA can lead to better improvements on blood sugar control —
> including improved fasting plasma glucose and hemoglobin A1C.”
> 
> – Colette Micko


POTENTIAL IMPLICATIONS FOR BLOOD SUGAR CONTROL

“While the study is trying to show the benefit of DNA-related diet counseling in
managing blood glucose levels, future studies have to go far beyond this primary
objective before we arrive at data that is significant and applicable,” said Dr.
Williams.

“The implications for this research for patients and the public, if any, won’t
be seen until we have further studies of greater scope. So, what the study
really does is to lay the groundwork for further studies,” Dr. Williams
explained.

Micko agreed, noting that, “there were limitations to this study including a
small sample size and high attrition at the 26-week mark.”

“This randomized control trial needs to be replicated on a larger sample size
with diverse ethnic, socioeconomic and biological backgrounds,” Micko said.

However, she added, “the implications of this study for patients and the public
is that more DNA-based nutrition interventions may be available in the future as
a main tactic for disease prevention.”

“Specifically, nutrition interventions will be tailored to your genetic
predispositions,” she detailed.

> “This could also impact diabetes care management, as current treatment is
> based on the standards of care. It could potentially increase the need for
> app-based interventions, which could reduce costs and increase the span of
> care for people with prediabetes/diabetes all over the world.”
> 
> – Colette Micko


 * Diabetes
 * Type 2
 * Genetics
 * Nutrition / Diet

Share this article



By Paul Ian Cross, PhD on March 12, 2024 — Fact checked by Sruthi Balakrishnan,
PhD





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