Dietary glycemic index and glucose, insulin, insulin-like growth factor-I, insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3, and leptin levels in patients with acne

Abstract

Background: Several isolated observations have suggested that acne can develop in groups when a high glycemic index diet is adopted.

Objective: This study was designed to examine associations among daily diet glycemic index, glycemic loads, serum insulin levels, and acne.

Methods: A total of 49 patients with acne and 42 healthy control subjects were included in the study. At the initial visit, fasting glucose, insulin, insulin-like growth factor-I, insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3, and leptin levels were measured. A voluntary self-completed questionnaire was administered and participants were asked how frequently they consumed the specified amount of food. Overall glycemic index and dietary glycemic load were calculated.

Results: No significant differences were observed between patients with acne and control subjects in serum glucose, insulin, leptin levels, overall glycemic index, or dietary glycemic load.

Limitations: The information and data obtained from this questionnaire were limited to patients' own recollections.

Conclusion: Results of this study indicate that dietary glycemic index, glycemic load, and insulin levels do not have a role in pathogenesis of acne in younger patients.