The goal of this clinical trial is to examine the effect of 3 versus 6 daily meals of isocaloric diets on glycemic control and variability in individuals with type 1 diabetes. Participants will be randomized in a crossover clinical trial and will receive two different types of isocaloric diet interventions, in 3 meals/day (calorie distribution: 30% at breakfast, 40% at lunch and 30% at dinner) or 6 meals/day (calorie distribution: 20% at breakfast, 10% at morning snack, 30% at lunch, 10% at afternoon snack, 25% at dinner and 5% at evening snack), for three weeks, with a 4-week washout period between diets.
This is a single center, randomized, open-label, non-inferiority and crossover clinical trial. Subjects with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and will be recruited through advertisement on the web page of Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), type 1 diabetes outpatient clinic of HCPA, local newspaper, television and social media, or referred by a doctor or nutritionist, from external to HCPA services. After screening and selection according to inclusion criteria, participants will undergo a clinical, laboratory and nutritional evaluation following a standard assessment protocol. After all baseline assessments, they will be randomly allocated to one of the following interventions for 3 weeks and after a washout period, they will be in the other intervention. While glycemic control (A1c and Glycated albumin) and variability (6 points daily capillary blood glucose tests) are assessed during the baseline period, the first week of each intervention, and the last week of washout and continuous interstitial glucose measurements that are performed in the last 14 days of each intervention. Blinding is maintained outcome assesment.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
27
This group will follow a dietary prescription consisting of three meals per day. The total energy value will be distributed in accordance with the macronutrient recommendations for type 1 diabetes (T1D), as follows: 45% of energy from total carbohydrates, prioritizing those with a low glycemic index; up to 30% from total fats, with unsaturated fats being the primary source; and 25% of energy from proteins. Caloric distribution will be divided into 30% for breakfast, 40% for lunch, and 30% for dinner, with 14 g of fiber per 1000 kcal distributed across the three meals. Furthermore, the gram amounts of the macronutrient in each meal will be apportioned such that 15-20% of the total carbohydrate intake, 7-10% of the total protein intake, and 10% of the total fat intake.Participants will also be instructed to maintain their habitual physical activity level.
This group will follow a dietary prescription consisting of six meals per day. The total energy value will be distributed in accordance with the macronutrient recommendations for type 1 diabetes (T1D), as follows: 45% of energy from total carbohydrates, prioritizing those with a low glycemic index; up to 30% from total fats, with unsaturated fats being the primary source; and 25% of energy from proteins. Caloric distribution will be divided into 20% for breakfast, 10% morning snack, 30% for lunch, 10% afternoon snack, 25% for dinner and 5% bedtime snack, with 14 g of fiber per 1000 kcal distributed across the three meals. Furthermore, the gram amounts of the macronutrient in each meal will be apportioned such that 5-10% of the total carbohydrate intake, 2-7% of the total protein intake, and 2-8% of the total fat intake.Participants will also be instructed to maintain their habitual physical activity level.
Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre
Porto Alegre, Brazil
Change in glycemic control
Differences Between Groups in Glycemic Control and Variability Using HbA1c and Freestyle Libre Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)
Time frame: Baseline, 5, 6, 12 and 13 weeks
Change in Glycated Hemoglobin
Difference between groups in glycated hemoglobin
Time frame: Baseline, 3, 6, 10 and 13 weeks
Glycemic Variability
For continuous glucose monitoring and assessment of glycemic variability, the FreeStyle Libre, ABBOTT® device will be used. FreeStyle Libre consists of a continuous glucose monitoring (SMCG) system. Glycemic variability will be assessed using time on target parameters of values between 70 and 180 mg/dL, values between 70 and 140mg/dL, time in hypoglycemia and time above target and coefficient of variability as measures of glycemic variability
Time frame: 5 and 12 weeks
Changes in body composition
Weight, fat-free mass and fat mass will be assessed by Bioelectrical Impedance (body composition analyzer tetrapolar InBody 370S, BiospaceCo. Ltd, Seoul, South Korea). Anthropometric measures include brachial, neck, waist, hip and calf circumferences, with participants wearing light clothing and barefoot.
Time frame: Baseline, 3, 6, 10 and 13 weeks
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.