Effects of a Mediterranean Style Diet on Vascular Health in Type 2 Diabetes

Chronic inflammation affecting both small and large blood vessels is an important factor increasing the risk of heart disease in people with Type 2 diabetes. Good markers present in the blood are now available to detect this inflammatory state. Recent evidence suggests that a Mediterranean-type diet, high in plant foods and with monounsaturated fat from olive oil has beneficial effects on blood vessels as well as on blood glucose and blood lipid control.

In this study we will compare the effects of a Mediterranean diet, high in fruit and vegetables with the more conventional diet recommended for diabetes therapy (a high carbohydrate, low fat diet). Twenty-four people with Type 2 diabetes will be randomised to one of these diets and followed for six months. At the end of this time, the effect of the diets on markers for inflammation will be compared.

Inclusion criteria

-English speaking people with newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetes (within 3-12 months of diagnosis) who are attending the Alfred Hospital, Diabetes Education Outpatient Clinic.

Exclusion criteria

• age <30 years or > 75 years;
• body mass index (BMI) < 25 kg/m2 or >37 kg/m2;
• on corticosteroid or insulin therapy;
• presence of established renal and/or liver disease (serum creatinine more than 0.12 mmol/L/albumin excretion rate greater than 300 µg per minute or ALT more than twice the upper limit of normal respectively).