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The Effect of Fat in MealsWhat is the problem and what is known about it so far?The level of glucose in the bloodstream is influenced by how quickly food passes through a person's stomach. This process is known as "gastric emptying." Because fat in the digestive tract slows gastric emptying, a small amount of fat in a person's diet may slow down the rise of a person's blood glucose after a meal, which would be beneficial to their health. Why did the researchers do this particular study?The researchers wanted to study the effect of fat in a person's diet on gastric emptying and blood glucose after a person eats a meal high in carbohydrates. Who was studied?The study included six men (average age of 56) with type 2 diabetes. How was the study done?After a physical exam and blood tests, each participant ate a high carbohydrate meal of plain mashed potatoes or mashed potatoes with one ounce (30 ml) of olive oil. Blood was drawn often to measure blood glucose and other substances. What did the researchers find?The addition of olive oil, which is a fat, slowed gastric emptying and delayed a rise in after-meal blood glucose levels. Other measurements showed a similar beneficial effect from olive oil. What are the limitations of the study?The study was small, with only six participants. Only adult males were studied, so the results may not apply to other people. The study looked only at the short-term effects of fat in the diet, and not long-term effects. What are the implications of the study?Adding a small amount of fat to a high-carbohydrate meal may help make food more healthful. More research is needed before doctors can make dietary recommendations based on these findings. FOR MORE INFORMATIONDiabetes Carbohydrate and Fat Gram Guide |
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