Effects of individualized low-glycemic-index high-protein diet on glucose and lipid metabolism and body composition in male type 2 diabetes mellitus patients

To investigate the effects of an individualized low-glycemic-index (GI) high-protein diet based on an intelligent system on glucose and lipid metabolism and body composition in male patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and to compare it with conventional dietary guidance.

A total of 103 male outpatients with T2DM who visited Department of Nutrition of First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital from January 2024 to June 2025 were enrolled, and based on their dietary pattern, they were divided into a study group (n=52, receiving an intelligent individualized low-GI high-protein diet) and a control group (n=51, receiving conventional dietary guidance). The intervention lasted 12 weeks. Anthropometric indicators, glucose metabolism indicators, lipid metabolism indicators, and liver and kidney functions were compared between two groups to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the intervention. SPSS statistics 26.0 was used for statistical analysis. Data comparison between two groups was performed using t test or χ² test depending on data type.

There were 103 patients completing the study, including 52 patients in the study group and 51 patients in the control group. After 12 weeks of intervention, body weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, and body fat percentage were significantly lower in the study group than the control group (P<0.05). The study group exhibited significantly lower fasting blood glucose [(6.18±0.95) vs (7.25±1.03 mmol/L], 2-h postprandial blood glucose [(7.25±1.52) vs (9.31±1.85) mmol/L], glycated hemoglobin [(6.2±0.6)% vs (7.1±0.6)%], and fasting insulin [(6.48±2.53) vs (7.79±2.85) mIU/L] compared to the control group (all P<0.05). In terms of lipid metabolism, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the study group were all notably lower than those in the control group (P<0.05), while there were no statistically significant differences in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol or serum uric acid between two groups (P>0.05). In liver and kidney function, no obvious differences were observed in serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen before and after intervention between two groups (P>0.05), and all values were within the normal reference ranges.

The intelligent individualized low-GI high-protein diet pattern achieves personalized regulation of dietary intervention through an intelligent system, and can improve glucose and lipid metabolism disorders and optimize body composition in male patients with T2DM. It is safe for short-term application, superior to conventional dietary guidance, and has clinical promotion value.