Abstract
BackgroundRefined grains and white rice have been associated with elevated risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In this study, we sought to quantify the effect of white rice intake on incident T2DM in two prospective population-based cohort studies from Iran, where white rice is one of the main staple.MethodsWe used follow-up data from 9,182 participants from Golestan Cohort Study (GCS, 2004–2007, conducted mainly in rural areas) and 2,173 from Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS, 2004–2006) who did not have T2DM and other chronic diseases at baseline. Diet was assessed using validated food frequency questionnaires. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for incident T2DM.ResultsWe documented 902 new cases of T2DM in GCS and 81 in TLGS. Age-standardized cumulative incidence of T2DM was 9.9% in Golestan and 8.0% in Tehran. Daily white rice intake was significantly higher among residents of Tehran compared to Golestan (median daily intake: 250 vs. 120 grams; P-value < 0.001). After adjustment for potential confounders, there was no significant association between daily white rice intake and incident T2DM in GCS. In TLGS, the adjusted OR (95% confidence interval (CI)) was 2.1 (1.1, 3.9) comparing participants with daily white rice intake of >250 grams/day to those with <250.ConclusionsWe observed an increased lieklihood of T2DM associated with high white rice intake among residents of Tehran and no association in Golestan. Our findings, if further supported by other studies, have important public health implications especially for countries where white rice is a major staple and diabetes is increasing rapidly incidence is high. Further research is needed to investigate lack of an association between lower levels of white rice intake and T2DM.
Highlights
Refined grains and white rice have been associated with elevated risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)
High glycemic index (GI) diets have been consistently associated with elevated risk of T2DM in several prospective cohort studies [11, 17,18,19]
We examined if the association between white rice intake and T2DM was modified by selected baseline characteristics (age, sex and physical activity in both studies and ethnicity and residence in Golestan Cohort Study (GCS)) by including product terms in the models
Summary
Refined grains and white rice have been associated with elevated risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Nutritional transition with a more calorie-dense diet and higher consumption of refined carbohydrates (e.g., white rice) may play an important role in the rapid increase in T2DM rates [7,8,9]. Higher white rice intake has been associated with increased risk of T2DM, in Asian countries [10, 11]. Results of a recent metaanalysis showed a significant 11% increase in risk of T2DM for each additional serving of white rice [12]. In their meta-analysis, Aune et al reported a 23% increase risk of diabetes with each additional serving of white rice per day [13]. High GI diets have been consistently associated with elevated risk of T2DM in several prospective cohort studies [11, 17,18,19]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
