Glycemic optimization may reduce lipid peroxidation independent of weight and blood lipid changes in Type 2 diabetes mellitus

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of diet-therapy on lipid peroxidation in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Fifteen T2DM patients of both sexes, aged between 35-70 years, were given the diet suggested for patients with diabetes by the American Diabetic Association. This diet comprised 50-60% carbohydrate, 10-15% protein, 20-30% fat and about 35 g fiber was given for weight maintenance. Weight and body mass index did not change significantly during 8 weeks of study. Also, no statistically significant difference was observed in serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL- and HDL-cholesterol from before to after dietary intervention. However, the levels of fasting blood sugar, HbA1c and malondialdehyde were lowered significantly after dietary intervention. It was concluded that glycemic optimization, independent of weight and blood lipid profile, through a well-designed diet is likely to be the most effective factor in reducing the process of oxidative stress in T2DM. This may have preventive implications for such diabetic complications as atherosclerosis. (C) 2004, Editrice Kurtis.