Endocrine Abstracts

Background

It has been shown that diets high in cis-MUFA and high-antioxidant diets are beneficial in type 2 diabetes (Garg 1998; Ros 2003; Franz et al. 2002). The aim of our study was to assess compliance with current dietary recommendations (Diabetes UK 2003) with particular emphasis on these nutrients.

Methods

Ethical approval was obtained to use a food diary and lifestyle questionnaire. 120 Caucasian type 2 diabetes patients (age 50+ years, 67 males, 53 females) participated. Dietary data were analysed using NetWISP 2.0 (Tinuviel Software) and SPSS version 11.0 (SPSS Inc.).

Results

The mean age (plus/minus SD) of subjects (n = 120) was 68.2y plus/minus 7.3. The mean BMI of male subjects was 28.4 kg m^-2 plus/minus 3.9; that of females was 30.3 kg m^-2 plus/minus 6.5. Mean energy intakes (kcal) for males and females were 1877 plus/minus 408 and 1652 plus/minus 433 respectively. Mean physical activity levels were low.

Mean percentage contributions of energy from the fat components, protein and carbohydrate were within recommended ranges, except for saturated fat, which contributed 11.7% plus/minus 2.9 of energy. Mean intakes of vitamins C, E and A were 95.6mg/d plus/minus 63.3, 4.9mg/d plus/minus 2.2 and 480 micrograms/d plus/minus 887 respectively.

Conclusion

Only 20% of subjects had a normal BMI. Mean reported energy intakes were consistent with recommendation for achieving a daily 500kcal energy deficit. With the exception of physical activity and saturated fat intake compliance was very good. Hence, this subject population would be suitable for further dietary intervention.

Financial Support

BBSRC, Unilever plc

References

Garg, A (1998) Am J Clin Nutr 67(suppl):577S-582S

Ros, E (2003) Am J Clin Nutr78(suppl.):617-625

Franz et al. (2002) Diabetes Care25:148-198

Nutrition Sub-Committee of the Diabetes Care Advisory Committee of Diabetes UK (2003) J Hum Nutr Dietet16:421-452