Your diet can directly affect your health. The levels of adiponectin in your bloodstream may be a marker that exhibits this effect. The carbohydrate, fiber, fat and protein content of the food you eat influences your adiponectin levels. A lower level of adiponectin is associated with a higher glycemic diet. Low levels of this adiponectin protein may be associated with an elevated risk of chronic disease.
Glycemic Load
The glycemic load is a system used to determine how much and what kind of carbohydrates are inside a food. This system takes into account a food item's glycemic index. The glycemic index is a measurement system that extends from zero to 100 and rates a food based on its effect on your blood sugar. The higher a rating a food receives, the faster and greater its impact on your blood sugar. To determine a food's glycemic load, multiply its glycemic index by the total grams of carbohydrates, then divide by 100. A higher glycemic load means a larger impact on your blood glucose and more carbohydrates in the food you are eating.
Adiponectin
Adiponectin is a protein found in your blood plasma. It is collagenous in its composition. Adiponectin is released by the fat cells of your body, also called adipocytes. The adiponectin protein influences your body's ability to recognize insulin and move glucose from the blood and into your cells.
The Connection
A study published in the journal "Diabetes Care" in 2006 examined the link between glycemic load and adiponectin. This study took 902 women and analyzed their dietary habits. Those dietary foods containing fiber from cereals and fiber from fruit were evaluated through food questionnaires. After controlling for other factors, including age, smoking, alcohol, exercise and medication use, a link was seen between levels of adiponectin and low glycemic load foods. The more fiber a person eats, the lower the glycemic load and the higher the circulating adiponectin.
Significance
Eating high-glycemic foods decreases your adiponectin levels. This decrease is associated with a higher risk of diabetes and heart disease, according to a study from UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers in 2010. The study found that high levels of adiponectin are associated with a mechanism that improves cellular functioning. This results in a greater insulin sensitivity and a lower risk of diabetes. The more fat you have, the lower your levels of adiponectin. Therefore, a low level of this protein is associated with the development of both cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Sticking with a low glycemic load diet may increase your adiponectin levels and stave off chronic disease.
References
- Linus Pauling Institute: Glycemic Index and Glycemic Load
- Journal of Cardiometabolic Syndrome: The Role of Adiponectin in Obesity, Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease
- Diabetes Care: Dietary Fibers and Glycemic Load, Obesity, and Plasma Adiponectin Levels in Women With Type 2 Diabetes
- Digital Journal: Scientists Link Low Adiponectin to Diabetes, Heart Disease
