The Glycemic Indices of Five Common Varieties of Dates in the Tested Among Healthy and Diabetic Subjects
The Glycemic Indices of Five Common Varieties of Dates in the Tested Among Healthy and Diabetic Subjects
The main objectives of this study is to measure the composition of five common types of dates
 (Fara'd, Lulu, Abu ouma'n, Dabbas and Khalas) and to calculate their Glycemic Indices (GI) of
 these dates tested in healthy and diabetic subjects. Thirteen healthy volunteers and ten
 subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus were enrolled in the study.

 The dates' flesh composition analysis showed that the dates contain a high percentage of
 carbohydrate (total sugars, 65-68%).

 The measured mean glycemic indices of the dates among healthy individuals were 54.0, 53.5,
 46.3, 49.1 and 55.1 for Fara'd, Lulu, Abu Ouma'n, Dabbas and Khalas, respectively.
 Corresponding mean glycemic indices among individuals with type 2 diabetes were very similar
 46.1, 43.8, 51.8, 50.2, and 53.0. Thus the tested five varieties of the dates are classified
 as low glycemic index food items.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has transitioned rapidly over the last 40 years. This has lead
 to a dramatic increase in the prevalence of obesity, metabolic syndrome, dyslipidaemia,
 hypertension, prediabetes and diabetes. Daily consumption of dates is the norm.The main
 objectives of this study is to measure the composition of five common types of dates (Fara'd,
 Lulu, Abu ouma'n, Dabbas and Khalas) and to calculate their Glycemic Indices (GI) of these
 dates tested equally in healthy and diabetic subjects. Thirteen healthy volunteers and ten
 subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus were enrolled in the study. The dates' flesh
 composition analysis showed that the dates contain a high percentage of carbohydrate (total
 sugars, 65-68%).

 The measured mean glycemic indices of the dates among healthy individuals were 54.0, 53.5,
 46.3, 49.1 and 55.1 for Fara'd, Lulu, Abu Ouma'n, Dabbas and Khalas, respectively.
 Corresponding mean glycemic indices among individuals with type 2 diabetes were very similar
 46.1, 43.8, 51.8, 50.2, and 53.0. Thus the tested five varieties of the dates are classified
 as low glycemic index food items with potential health benefits for healthy and diabetic
 individuals alike.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Adult

 -  Healthy or having controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Morbid obesity (BMI > 40)

 -  Presence of gastroenterological disorders

 -  Alimentary tract surgery

 -  A history of gastroenteritis in the prior six months

 -  Any disease that may affect glucose metabolism

 -  Alcohol intake

 -  Smoking

 -  Taking any medications (except metformin)

 -  Poorly uncontrolled diabetes (HbA1c > 8%)

 -  The presence of chronic diseases or the presence of acute illness