Background: The energy intake from carbohydrate(CHO) was 68.0% in Korean diabetics and the main CHO source was rice. This study was to evaluate the effects of a small sized rice bowl (SR) based education on dietary energy intake and composition of macronutrient in obese type 2 diabetes.
Methods: A total of 57 (male; 29, female; 28) obese persons with type 2 diabetes were enrolled in the study, and received a simple instructions on the use of a SR (male; 300 cc, female; 200 cc). The 3-day dietary records were analyzed for total energy intake and proportion of macronutrients, before and 2 weeks after SR based education was given.
Results: At baseline, age of subjects was 57.0 ±7.7years, and the body mass index was 27.8 ± 2.1 kg/m2, without significant differences between gender group. The ratio of dietary energy intake to recommended energy intake was 117% at baseline which decreased significantly in both groups (male; -5.6 ± 5.4%, P < 0.001, female; -13.1± 14.6%, P < 0.001, respectively). The proportion of CHO intake was reduced in both groups (male; -3.3 ± 6.1%, P = 0.007, female; -3.0 ± 5.8%, P = 0.012,respectively), protein intake was significantly increased only in male (P = 0.002), and fat intake was significantly increased only in female (P = 0.037). However, the value did not go over the recommendation of Korean Diabetes Association. Weight loss was observed by -0.4 ± 0.5 kg significantly only in male. But effects of a SR based education were not obvious in alcohol consumers whose weekly alcohol consumption was more 2 glasses for male, and 1 glass for female.
Conclusion: A SR-based education was effective in reduction of the dietary energy intake and carbohydrate intake in the obese Korean with type 2 diabetes.

Keywords: Carbohydrate-restrict, Diabetic diet, Obesity, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus