Validation of four frequently used glucose metres and selection of Freestyle Freedom Lite for examining the effects of animated conversation and problem solving on blood glucose concentrations following a standardised carbohydrate loading

Objectives: Benefits of physical activity on maintenance of blood glucose within an acceptable range are well documented. This study explores the possible beneficial effect of animated conversation and mental activities on blood glucose levels following dietary carbohydrate loading.
Design and Participants: Blood glucose changes were examined in 18 non-diabetic individuals following the consumption of two doughnuts providing ~48g of carbohydrate. The participants acted as their own controls and were studied twice. On the first occasion they maintained quiet/passive behaviour, on the second they conversed and participated in structured mental activities e.g. reading and solving puzzles.
Measurements: Using the Freestyle Freedom Lite glucose metre, baseline, then post-fasting blood glucose concentrations were evaluated every 30 minutes over a 2 hour period after the consumption of doughnuts.
Results: ANOVA repeated measures analysis of the results showed that time (P<0.001), activity (P<0.01) and time*activity interaction (P<0.05) all had a significant effect on the blood glucose levels. Compared with active intervention, the mean blood glucose levels during quiet/passive behaviour period remained ~30-40% higher and this difference was most significant at 30 minutes (1.40 vs 0.87 mmol/L, P<0.05)) and 60 minutes (1.53 vs 0.91mmol/L, P<0.01) measurements.
Conclusion: The results of this preliminary study indicate that simple non-exercise related activities involving mental activity and conversation have a significant influence on reducing blood glucose levels. This may be of value when individuals are unable to engage in regular exercise due to personal and environmental constraints.