-
1.
Effectiveness of Combined Health Coaching and Self-Monitoring Apps on Weight-Related Outcomes in People With Overweight and Obesity: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
Chew, HSJ, Rajasegaran, NN, Chin, YH, Chew, WSN, Kim, KM
Journal of medical Internet research. 2023;25:e42432
-
-
-
Free full text
Plain language summary
Effective interventions for obesity involve multiple components that combine educational, environmental, and behavioural strategies to promote healthy eating and physical activity. Mobile health (mHealth) technologies, such as smartphone apps and wearable devices, have been used widely as promising strategies to enhance the effectiveness of weight loss interventions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of combining weight management apps with health coaching on clinical outcomes among people with overweight and obesity. This study was a systematic review and meta-analysis of fourteen studies. The included studies represent 2478 participants with a mean age of 39.1 years. Results did not show any evidence of improvement in physical activity related to the use of smartphone apps with or without health coaching. Furthermore, combining smartphone apps with health coaching only yields a significantly greater reduction in waist circumference but not weight loss as compared to using a self-monitoring app alone. Authors conclude that combined intervention could improve weight-related outcomes, but more research is needed to examine its added benefits to using an app.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Self-monitoring smartphone apps and health coaching have both individually been shown to improve weight-related outcomes, but their combined effects remain unclear. OBJECTIVE This study aims to examine the effectiveness of combining self-monitoring apps with health coaching on anthropometric, cardiometabolic, and lifestyle outcomes in people with overweight and obesity. METHODS Relevant articles published from inception till June 9, 2022, were searched through 8 databases (Embase, CINAHL, PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, The Cochrane Library, and Web of Science). Effect sizes were pooled using random-effects models. Behavioral strategies used were coded using the behavior change techniques taxonomy V1. RESULTS A total of 14 articles were included, representing 2478 participants with a mean age of 39.1 years and a BMI of 31.8 kg/m2. Using combined intervention significantly improved weight loss by 2.15 kg (95% CI -3.17 kg to -1.12 kg; P<.001; I2=60.3%), waist circumference by 2.48 cm (95% CI -3.51 cm to -1.44 cm; P<.001; I2=29%), triglyceride by 0.22 mg/dL (95% CI -0.33 mg/dL to 0.11 mg/dL; P=.008; I2=0%), glycated hemoglobin by 0.12% (95% CI -0.21 to -0.02; P=.03; I2=0%), and total calorie consumption per day by 128.30 kcal (95% CI -182.67 kcal to -73.94 kcal; P=.003; I2=0%) kcal, but not BMI, blood pressure, body fat percentage, cholesterol, and physical activity. Combined interventional effectiveness was superior to receiving usual care and apps for waist circumference but only superior to usual care for weight loss. CONCLUSIONS Combined intervention could improve weight-related outcomes, but more research is needed to examine its added benefits to using an app. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42022345133; https://tinyurl.com/2zxfdpay.
-
2.
Does adding exercise or physical activity to pharmacological osteoporosis therapy in patients with increased fracture risk improve bone mineral density and lower fracture risk? A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Schumm, AK, Craige, EA, Arora, NK, Owen, PJ, Mundell, NL, Buehring, B, Maus, U, Belavy, DL
Osteoporosis international : a journal established as result of cooperation between the European Foundation for Osteoporosis and the National Osteoporosis Foundation of the USA. 2023;34(11):1867-1880
-
-
-
Free full text
-
Plain language summary
Osteoporosis, a progressive systematic skeletal disease is caused by diminished bone density and strength, which may increase the risk of fragility fractures in the spine, pelvis, femur etc. Women are at greater risk of developing osteoporosis. Osteopenia is an intermediary stage of reduced bone mineral density before progressing into the osteoporosis disease state. Exercise and pharmacological therapies are considered two effective strategies commonly used in the treatment of osteoporosis. Exercise may help to improve bone mineral density, strength and muscle mass and reduce the risk of fractures. This systematic review and meta-analysis of five parallel-arm randomised controlled trials investigated the combined effect of exercise and pharmacological therapy on bone mineral density, bone turnover markers, fractures and fracture healing in patients with osteopenia and osteoporosis. This systematic review and meta-analysis showed a non-significant improvement in bone mineral density in patients with osteopenia and osteoporosis followed by combined pharmacological treatment with exercise. Pharmacological therapy alone showed improvement and maintenance of bone mineral density. There was no evidence for the improvement in fragility fracture healing. Due to the low evidence and high heterogeneity of included studies, further robust studies are required to evaluate the combined effect of exercise and pharmacological therapy in people with systematic skeletal disease. Healthcare professionals can use this study to understand the benefits of pharmacological therapy in improving osteoporosis and osteopenia and the potential of adding exercise as a therapeutic strategy in clinical practice.
Abstract
This prospectively registered systematic review and meta-analysis examines whether exercise (EX) training has an additive effect to osteoanabolic and/or antiresorptive pharmacological therapy (PT) in people with osteoporosis on bone mineral density (BMD), bone turnover markers (BTMs), fracture healing, and fractures. Four databases (inception to 6 May 2022), 5 trial registries, and reference lists were searched. Included were randomized controlled trials comparing the effect of EX + PT vs. PT with regard to BMD, BTM, fracture healing, and fractures. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane RoB2 and certainty of evidence by the GRADE approach. Random-effects meta-analysis with Hartung-Knapp-Sidik-Jonkman adjustment was used to estimate standardized mean differences and 95% confidence intervals. Out of 2593 records, five RCTs with 530 participants were included. Meta-analysis showed with very low certainty evidence and wide confidence intervals that EX + PT compared to PT had larger effect sizes for BMD at 12 months at the hip (SMD [95%CI]: 0.18 [- 1.71; 2.06], n = 3 studies), tibia (0.25 [- 4.85; 5.34], n = 2), lumbar spine (0.20 [- 1.15; 1.55], n = 4), and forearm (0.05 [- 0.35; 0.46], n = 3), but not femoral neck (- 0.03 [- 1.80; 1.75], n = 3). Furthermore, no improvement was revealed for BTM such as bone ALP (- 0.68 [- 5.88; 4.53], n = 3), PINP (- 0.74 [- 10.42; 8.93], n = 2), and CTX-I (- 0.69 [- 9.61; 8.23], n = 2), but with very wide confidence intervals. Three potentially relevant ongoing trials were identified via registries. No data were found for fracture healing or fracture outcomes. It remains unclear whether EX has an additive impact to PT in people with osteoporosis. High-quality, adequately powered, targetted RCTs are required. PROTOCOL REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42022336132.
-
3.
Association of Antenatal Diet and Physical Activity-Based Interventions With Gestational Weight Gain and Pregnancy Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
Teede, HJ, Bailey, C, Moran, LJ, Bahri Khomami, M, Enticott, J, Ranasinha, S, Rogozinska, E, Skouteris, H, Boyle, JA, Thangaratinam, S, et al
JAMA internal medicine. 2022;182(2):106-114
-
-
-
Free full text
-
Plain language summary
With an obesogenic environment, unhealthy lifestyle, and accelerating weight gain, obesity is now the most common medical condition in the world. Preconception and pregnancy are priority life stages for healthy lifestyles and obesity prevention with excess weight being associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, long-term noncommunicable disease in women, and epigenetic consequences across generations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of different types of diet and physical activity–based antenatal lifestyle interventions with gestational weight gain (GWG) and maternal and neonatal outcomes. This study is a systematic review and meta-analysis of 28 studies together with 89 studies identified during a previous study. The included studies were randomised controlled trials (which involved 34 546 women) that examined diet (n = 14), physical activity (n = 53), diet with physical activity (n = 19), and mixed interventions (n = 31). Results show that compared with routine care, antenatal diet and physical activity–based lifestyle interventions were associated with reduced GWG. Lifestyle interventions were also associated with lower risk of gestational diabetes and total adverse maternal outcomes. Authors conclude by supporting the integration of structured diet and physical activity interventions alongside routine antenatal care, and the development of policies to improve the health of mothers and their offspring around the world.
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) is common and associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Antenatal lifestyle interventions limit GWG; yet benefits of different intervention types and specific maternal and neonatal outcomes are unclear. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the association of different types of diet and physical activity-based antenatal lifestyle interventions with GWG and maternal and neonatal outcomes. DATA SOURCES A 2-stage systematic literature search of MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Health Technology Assessment Database was conducted from February 1, 2017, to May 31, 2020. Search results from the present study were integrated with those from a previous systematic review from 1990 to February 2017. STUDY SELECTION Randomized trials reporting GWG and maternal and neonatal outcomes. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Data were extracted for random-effects meta-analyses to calculate the summary effect estimates and 95% CIs. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Outcomes were clinically prioritized, with mean GWG as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included gestational diabetes, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, cesarean section, preterm delivery, large or small for gestational age neonates, neonatal intensive care unit admission, or fetal death. RESULTS A total of 117 randomized clinical trials of antenatal lifestyle interventions (involving 34 546 women) were included. Overall lifestyle intervention was associated with reduced GWG (-1.15 kg; 95% CI, -1.40 to -0.91), risk of gestational diabetes (odds ratio [OR], 0.79; 95% CI, 0.70-0.89), and total adverse maternal outcomes (OR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.84-0.94) vs routine care. Compared with routine care, diet was associated with less GWG (-2.63 kg; 95% CI, -3.87 to -1.40) than physical activity (-1.04 kg; 95% CI, -1.33 to -0.74) or mixed interventions (eg, unstructured lifestyle support, written information with weight monitoring, or behavioral support alone) (-0.74 kg; 95% CI, -1.06 to -0.43). Diet was associated with reduced risk of gestational diabetes (OR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.45-0.82), preterm delivery (OR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.22-0.84), large for gestational age neonate (OR, 0.19; 95% CI, 0.08-0.47), neonatal intensive care admission (OR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.48-0.95), and total adverse maternal (OR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.61-0.92) and neonatal outcomes (OR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.26-0.72). Physical activity was associated with reduced GWG and reduced risk of gestational diabetes (OR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.47-0.75), hypertensive disorders (OR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.48-0.90), cesarean section (OR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.75-0.95), and total adverse maternal outcomes (OR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.71-0.86). Diet with physical activity was associated with reduced GWG (-1.35 kg; 95% CI, -1.95 to -0.75) and reduced risk of gestational diabetes (OR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.54-0.96) and total adverse maternal outcomes (OR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.69-0.95). Mixed interventions were associated with reduced GWG only. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This systematic review and meta-analysis found level 1 evidence that antenatal structured diet and physical activity-based lifestyle interventions were associated with reduced GWG and lower risk of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. The findings support the implementation of such interventions in routine antenatal care and policy around the world.
-
4.
Resistance Training Load Effects on Muscle Hypertrophy and Strength Gain: Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis.
Lopez, P, Radaelli, R, Taaffe, DR, Newton, RU, Galvão, DA, Trajano, GS, Teodoro, JL, Kraemer, WJ, Häkkinen, K, Pinto, RS
Medicine and science in sports and exercise. 2021;53(6):1206-1216
-
-
-
Free full text
-
Plain language summary
Resistance training is a popular and effective modality to improve muscle function, functional performance, and health parameters in a wide range of healthy and clinical populations. The main aims of this study were to: (a) analyse the effect of resistance training performed until failure with low, moderate, and high loads on muscle hypertrophy [an increase and growth of muscle cells] and muscle strength in healthy adults, and (b) assess the possible participant-, design-, and training-related covariates that may affect the hypertrophy and strength gains. This study is a systematic review and network meta-analysis of twenty-eight studies. A total of 747 healthy men and women with an average age of 23.4 ± 3.0 years participated in the included studies. Results show that performing as many repetitions as possible per set with different loads over relatively short interventions leads to similar muscle hypertrophy in individuals with none or moderate resistance training experience. Authors conclude that a high-load resistance training program can target both outcomes in shorter periods of training, whereas a moderate range of repetitions should be part of the resistance training program for those who do not tolerate exercising at higher (i.e., higher intensity or higher resistance) loads, eliciting gains in muscle hypertrophy and muscle strength superior to a low-load program.
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to analyze the effect of resistance training (RT) performed until volitional failure with low, moderate, and high loads on muscle hypertrophy and muscle strength in healthy adults and to assess the possible participant-, design-, and training-related covariates that may affect the adaptations. METHODS Using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science databases were searched. Including only studies that performed sets to volitional failure, the effects of low- (>15 repetitions maximum (RM)), moderate- (9-15 RM), and high-load (≤8 RM) RTs were examined in healthy adults. Network meta-analysis was undertaken to calculate the standardized mean difference (SMD) between RT loads in overall and subgroup analyses involving studies deemed of high quality. Associations between participant-, design-, and training-related covariates with SMD were assessed by univariate and multivariate network meta-regression analyses. RESULTS Twenty-eight studies involving 747 healthy adults were included. Although no differences in muscle hypertrophy between RT loads were found in overall (P = 0.113-0.469) or subgroup analysis (P = 0.871-0.995), greater effects were observed in untrained participants (P = 0.033) and participants with some training background who undertook more RT sessions (P = 0.031-0.045). Muscle strength improvement was superior for both high-load and moderate-load compared with low-load RT in overall and subgroup analysis (SMD, 0.60-0.63 and 0.34-0.35, respectively; P < 0.001-0.003), with a nonsignificant but superior effect for high compared with moderate load (SMD, 0.26-0.28, P = 0.068). CONCLUSIONS Although muscle hypertrophy improvements seem to be load independent, increases in muscle strength are superior in high-load RT programs. Untrained participants exhibit greater muscle hypertrophy, whereas undertaking more RT sessions provides superior gains in those with previous training experience.
-
5.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of school-based interventions with health education to reduce body mass index in adolescents aged 10 to 19 years.
Jacob, CM, Hardy-Johnson, PL, Inskip, HM, Morris, T, Parsons, CM, Barrett, M, Hanson, M, Woods-Townsend, K, Baird, J
The international journal of behavioral nutrition and physical activity. 2021;18(1):1
-
-
-
Free full text
Plain language summary
Obesity in childhood and adolescence is associated with an increased risk of non-communicable diseases such as Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive lung disease and some forms of cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of health education interventions delivered in school settings to prevent overweight and obesity and/ or reduce BMI in adolescents, and to explore the key features of effectiveness. This study is a systematic review and meta-analysis of 39 publications based on 33 studies. Six studies recruited adolescent girls only, one adolescent boys only and one study included parent-student dyad. Results show that: - Most of the effective interventions were delivered by teachers who were trained prior to the intervention. - School-based interventions are often delivered through school-staff, however, appropriate training/ CPD prior to the intervention could be a crucial component to support the provision and uptake of the intervention. - Many of the effective interventions included parental involvement and modifications to the school environment. - Interventions should target the biological, psychosocial, environmental, and behavioural influences on diet and physical activity. Authors conclude that school-based health education interventions could potentially help in improving BMI outcomes in the adolescent age group.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescents are increasingly susceptible to obesity, and thus at risk of later non-communicable diseases, due to changes in food choices, physical activity levels and exposure to an obesogenic environment. This review aimed to synthesize the literature investigating the effectiveness of health education interventions delivered in school settings to prevent overweight and obesity and/ or reduce BMI in adolescents, and to explore the key features of effectiveness. METHODS A systematic search of electronic databases including MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsychINFO and ERIC for papers published from Jan 2006 was carried out in 2020, following PRISMA guidelines. Studies that evaluated health education interventions in 10-19-year-olds delivered in schools in high-income countries, with a control group and reported BMI/BMI z-score were selected. Three researchers screened titles and abstracts, conducted data extraction and assessed quality of the full text publications. A third of the papers from each set were cross-checked by another reviewer. A meta-analysis of a sub-set of studies was conducted for BMI z-score. RESULTS Thirty-three interventions based on 39 publications were included in the review. Most studies evaluated multi-component interventions using health education to improve behaviours related to diet, physical activity and body composition measures. Fourteen interventions were associated with reduced BMI/BMI z-score. Most interventions (n = 22) were delivered by teachers in classroom settings, 19 of which trained teachers before the intervention. The multi-component interventions (n = 26) included strategies such as environment modifications (n = 10), digital interventions (n = 15) and parent involvement (n = 16). Fourteen studies had a low risk of bias, followed by 10 with medium and nine with a high risk of bias. Fourteen studies were included in a random-effects meta-analysis for BMI z-score. The pooled estimate of this meta-analysis showed a small difference between intervention and control in change in BMI z-score (- 0.06 [95% CI -0.10, - 0.03]). A funnel plot indicated that some degree of publication bias was operating, and hence the effect size might be inflated. CONCLUSIONS Findings from our review suggest that school-based health education interventions have the public health potential to lower BMI towards a healthier range in adolescents. Multi-component interventions involving key stakeholders such as teachers and parents and digital components are a promising strategy.
-
6.
Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes by Lifestyle Changes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Uusitupa, M, Khan, TA, Viguiliouk, E, Kahleova, H, Rivellese, AA, Hermansen, K, Pfeiffer, A, Thanopoulou, A, Salas-Salvadó, J, Schwab, U, et al
Nutrients. 2019;11(11)
-
-
-
Free full text
Plain language summary
With Type 2 Diabetes growing globally this paper analyses whether T2D is preventable with lifestyle measures including diet. Seven RCTs were included for review with a total of 4090 participants, and 2466 incidents of T2D, and were chosen on the basis that the lifestyle interventions included both physical exercise and diet (typically Mediterranean Diet). They found that diet and lifestyle intervention reduced the risk of T2D by 47%. Sustained risk reduction was also found in follow-up studies up to 10 years later with participants maintaining improved blood glucose control. Lifestyle interventions may also reduce risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Weight reduction was considered a cornerstone of preventing T2D and adherence to lifestyle changes a key element in long term prevention. Dietary foods reviewed include processed meats, white rice and sugars which correlated highly with T2D whilst leafy greens, berries, wholegrains, legumes, dietary fibre and yoghurt correlate with a lower risk of T2D. Dietary patterns of skipping breakfast and snacking correlate higher with T2D. Different criteria for evaluating physical activity estimate that it reduces risk factors by 50%. In conclusion there is high evidence that lifestyle factors which optimise diet, increase physical activity and promote weight reduction are preventative factors for T2D and can be sustained long term.
Abstract
Prevention of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a great challenge worldwide. The aim of this evidence synthesis was to summarize the available evidence in order to update the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) clinical practice guidelines for nutrition therapy. We conducted a systematic review and, where appropriate, meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) carried out in people with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) (six studies) or dysmetabolism (one study) to answer the following questions: What is the evidence that T2D is preventable by lifestyle changes? What is the optimal diet (with a particular focus on diet quality) for prevention, and does the prevention of T2D result in a lower risk of late complications of T2D? The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was applied to assess the certainty of the trial evidence. Altogether seven RCTs (N = 4090) fulfilled the eligibility criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. The diagnosis of incident diabetes was based on an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). The overall risk reduction of T2D by the lifestyle interventions was 0.53 (95% CI 0.41; 0.67). Most of the trials aimed to reduce weight, increase physical activity, and apply a diet relatively low in saturated fat and high in fiber. The PREDIMED trial that did not meet eligibility criteria for inclusion in the meta-analysis was used in the final assessment of diet quality. We conclude that T2D is preventable by changing lifestyle and the risk reduction is sustained for many years after the active intervention (high certainty of evidence). Healthy dietary changes based on the current recommendations and the Mediterranean dietary pattern can be recommended for the long-term prevention of diabetes. There is limited or insufficient data to show that prevention of T2D by lifestyle changes results in a lower risk of cardiovascular and microvascular complications.
-
7.
Body mass index, abdominal fatness, weight gain and the risk of psoriasis: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective studies.
Aune, D, Snekvik, I, Schlesinger, S, Norat, T, Riboli, E, Vatten, LJ
European journal of epidemiology. 2018;33(12):1163-1178
-
-
-
Free full text
-
Plain language summary
Psoriasis is an immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease characterised by red, itchy, scaly and flaky skin. Research has shown an association between adiposity and inflammation cytokine release triggered by adipose tissue and increased body mass index and psoriasis. In this meta-analysis, seven prospective studies were included, and the association between BMI, abdominal fat, and psoriasis was examined. According to this meta-analysis, the relative risk of psoriasis increases by 19% for every 5-unit increase in BMI, 24% for a 10 cm increase in waist circumference, 37% for a 0.1-unit increase in waist-to-hip ratio, and 11% for a 5 kg weight gain. The risk of psoriasis was lower for people with a BMI below 20, and it was significantly higher for those with a BMI between 22.5-24. Psoriasis risk was positively associated with waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, and weight gain. Psoriasis risk escalates by 2-4 times with an increase in each measure of adiposity. Several potential strategies to reduce the risk of psoriasis are identified in this meta-analysis, including weight loss, dietary factors, and physical activity. To evaluate their effectiveness and develop appropriate strategies, further robust studies are needed. Healthcare professionals can use the results of this study to develop potential therapeutic strategies to reduce the risk of psoriasis by understanding the mechanisms and factors associated with the disease.
Abstract
Greater body mass index (BMI) has been associated with increased risk of psoriasis in case-control and cross-sectional studies, however, the evidence from prospective studies has been limited. We conducted a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of different adiposity measures and the risk of psoriasis to provide a more robust summary of the evidence based on data from prospective studies. PubMed and Embase databases were searched for relevant studies up to August 8th 2017. Summary relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random effects model. The summary relative risk (RR) for a 5 unit increment in BMI was 1.19 (95% CI 1.10-1.28, I2 = 83%, n = 7). The association appeared to be stronger at higher compared to lower levels of BMI, pnonlinearity < 0.0001, and the lowest risk was observed at a BMI around 20. The summary RR was 1.24 (95% CI 1.17-1.31, I2 = 0%, pheterogeneity = 0.72, n = 3) per 10 cm increase in waist circumference, 1.37 (95% CI 1.23-1.53, I2 = 0%, pheterogeneity = 0.93, n = 3) per 0.1 unit increase in waist-to-hip ratio, and 1.11 (95% CI 1.07-1.16, I2 = 47%, pheterogeneity = 0.15, n = 3) per 5 kg of weight gain. Adiposity as measured by BMI, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, and weight gain is associated with increased risk of psoriasis.
-
8.
Effectiveness and safety of carbohydrate counting in the management of adult patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Vaz, EC, Porfírio, GJM, Nunes, HRC, Nunes-Nogueira, VDS
Archives of endocrinology and metabolism. 2018;62(3):337-345
-
-
-
Free full text
Plain language summary
Glycaemic control of patients with diabetes mellitus is important because it impacts the development of diabetic complications. Carbohydrate counting is a meal planning tool that allows for great variation and flexibility in food choices among individuals with diabetes mellitus. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of carbohydrate counting in the treatment of adult patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus using a systematic literature review. The study included randomised controlled trials with at least 3 months of follow-up, and evaluation of outcomes in which patients were randomly divided into two groups. The meta-analysis showed that the final haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) - a test that shows the average blood glucose levels for the last two to three months - was significantly lower in the carbohydrate counting group than in the control group. Authors conclude that the meta-analysis showed evidence favouring the use of carbohydrate counting in the management of adult patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. However, this benefit was limited to the final HbA1c.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of carbohydrate counting (CHOC) in the treatment of adult patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1). MATERIALS AND METHODS We performed a systematic review of randomized studies that compared CHOC with general dietary advice in adult patients with DM1. The primary outcomes were changes in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), quality of life, and episodes of severe hypoglycemia. We searched the following electronic databases: Embase, PubMed, Lilacs, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. The quality of evidence was analyzed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). RESULTS A total of 3,190 articles were identified, and two reviewers independently screened the titles and abstracts. From the 15 potentially eligible studies, five were included, and 10 were excluded because of the lack of randomization or different control/intervention groups. Meta-analysis showed that the final HbA1c was significantly lower in the CHOC group than in the control group (mean difference, random, 95% CI: -0.49 (-0.85, -0.13), p = 0.006). The meta-analysis of severe hypoglycemia and quality of life did not show any significant differences between the groups. According to the GRADE, the quality of evidence for severe hypoglycemia, quality of life, and change in HbA1c was low, very low, and moderate, respectively. CONCLUSION The meta-analysis showed evidence favoring the use of CHOC in the management of DM1. However, this benefit was limited to final HbA1c, which was significantly lower in the CHOC than in the control group.