Long‐term effects of a carbohydrate‐rich diet on fasting blood sugar, lipid profile, and serum insulin values in rural Bengalis

Abstract Background:  The prevalence of Type 2 diabetes is increasing in rural areas of India, where there is also often a lack of health infrastructure. Thus, a proper dietary study with the view of combating diabetes is essential. The aim of the present study was to determine the long‐term effect of a carbohydrate‐rich diet in rural Bengal. Methods:  Volunteers ( n  = 320) were selected from three villages in Kharagpur and were randomly divided into a control and experimental group ( n  = 160 in each). The design of the study was such that non‐significant differences in any of the dependent variables were maintainted prior to the application of control or treatment modes. In the control group, volunteers consumed <70% carbohydrate as part of their diet, whereas in the experimental group carbohydrate consumption was >70%. Blood samples from both groups were collected on yearly basis for 5 years and fasting blood sugar (FBS), lipid profile and serum insulin values were analyzed. Results:  The blood biochemistry profiles were monitored before the start and at the end of the study. The results indicate that increased intake of carbohydrate causes significant increases in FBS ( P  < 0.05) and serum insulin ( P  < 0.05), as well as changes in the lipid profile, particularly triglycerides ( P  < 0.05) and very low‐density lipoprotein–cholesterol (VLDL‐C; P  < 0.05). Conclusions:  The effects of increased carbohydrate on FBS, serum insulin, triglycerides and VLDL‐C indicate that a proper nutritional policy needs to be implemented for this population of rural, low‐income Bengalis.