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.

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.