SAT679 Telehealth And Metabolic Health: Unraveling The Effects Of A 12-week Low-starch Diet On Homa2B IR In Overweight Women

Disclosure: G. Erta: None. G. Gersone: None. P. Tretjakovs: None. Background: Telehealth has emerged as a promising approach for delivering health care interventions remotely, allowing increased access and convenience, especially in the context of lifestyle interventions for metabolic health. In this study, our aim was to investigate the effects of a 12-week low-starch diet on HOMA2B IR (Homeostatic Model As-sessment for Beta Cell Function Insulin Resistance) in overweight women using tele-health consultations. Methods: A prospective single arm intervention study was conducted among 14 overweight women aged 18-48 years with a body mass index (BMI) of 25-29,9 kg/m^2. Participants received weekly telehealth consultations via video conference with an endocrinologist and were prescribed a low-starch diet for 12 weeks. The dietary intervention focused on reducing the intake of high-starch foods, such as refined grains, potatoes, and bread, while promoting the consumption of non-starchy vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats. HOMA2B IR, a widely used surrogate marker of insulin resistance, was measured at baseline and after 12 weeks. Results: After 12 weeks of the low-starch diet intervention, there was a significant reduction in HOMA2B IR in overweight women (Mean ± SD: Baseline HOMA2B IR data (2.126 ± 1.909) improved to 1.522 ± 1.468 at 12 weeks (p < 0.05)), indicating improved beta cell function and decreased insulin resistance. Participants also showed reductions in bodyweight, waist circumference, and fasting blood glucose levels. The compliance with the low starch diet was generally high. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that a 12-week low-starch diet administered through telehealth consultations may have positive effects on HOMA2B IR, as well as bodyweight and fasting blood glucose levels, in overweight women. These results highlight the potential of telehealth as a convenient and effective mode of delivering lifestyle interventions to improve metabolic health. More research with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods is warranted to confirm these findings and explore the long-term effects of telehealth-based interventions on metabolic health outcomes. Presentation: Saturday, June 17, 2023