A Review on the role of carbohydrates in the management of diabetes and obesity

Pushpa Devi M; Suhasini Mudraganam; Vishnu Saraf

A Review on the role of carbohydrates in the management of diabetes and obesity

Authors
Pushpa Devi M, Suhasini Mudraganam, Vishnu Saraf

Abstract
Background: Carbohydrates are organic molecules composed of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen in the ratio of 1:2:1. They are categorized based on the number of sugar units and how the sugar units are chemically bonded to each other. Categories include sugars, starches, and fibers. Numerous studies point that carbohydrates are the root cause of obesity and diabetes. Objective: The present review is focused on the nature of carbohydrate and its association in managing the risk of Type 2 diabetes and obesity. Methodology: This review of literature was carried out from Scopus and PubMed articles published between January 1977 and November 2020. This systematic review has been done by reviewing 75 review papers. We included human studies, adults (18 years or older). Only studies that reported the direct effect of carbohydrates, fibers, starches, sugars and added sugars were included. Presentation: Carbohydrates plays multiple role in the body right from performing as an energy source, helps in controlling blood glucose and insulin metabolism, maintaining muscles, participate in cholesterol and triglyceride metabolism, and help with fermentation, promoting gut health and preventing constipation. Healthy carbohydrate sources is been discussed. Conclusion: The general rule of low carbohydrate diet for the management of diabetes and obesity has to be changed. Not all carbohydrates are bad. Based on the source and type of carbohydrates the mechanism of action in the body varies, so the results and the management of diabetes and obesity.

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