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Starchy Foods Increase Diabetes Risk

But adding whole grains to the diet improves the odds

By Colleen Barry,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 27, 2007 3:05 AM CST
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(Newser) – African-American and Chinese women whose diets are high in starchy foods like white rice are at bigger risk for developing Type 2 diabetes, researchers have discovered. The good news is that eating whole-grain foods can help reduce the risk, according to two studies in the Archives of Internal Medicine. As an added bonus, those foods contain magnesium, which can help reduce blood pressure.

The findings support the theory that some carbohydrates such as refined grains cause a spike in blood sugar that can impair a body's ability to effectively utilize insulin and process sugar. "Given that a large part of the world's population consumes rice and carbohydrates as the mainstay of their diets [the findings] may have substantial implications for public health," researchers wrote.

People who eat a lot of starchy foods like white bread may be more likely to develop diabetes.
People who eat a lot of starchy foods like white bread may be more likely to develop diabetes.   (Getty Images)
Diets rich in carbohydrates may increase some women's risk of developing diabetes.
Diets rich in carbohydrates may increase some women's risk of developing diabetes.   (Associated Press)
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Study abstract: Chinese women
Archives of Internal Medicine

Study abstract: Black American women
Archives of Internal Medicine

A few simple switches can add fiber to your diet
WebMD

 
bread • diabetes • public health • blood pressure • wheat • rice • black women • grains • carbs • Chinese women

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