Abstract
BackgroundOur aim was to compare the effects of a Paleolithic ('Old Stone Age') diet and a diabetes diet as generally recommended on risk factors for cardiovascular disease in patients with type 2 diabetes not treated with insulin.MethodsIn a randomized cross-over study, 13 patients with type 2 diabetes, 3 women and 10 men, were instructed to eat a Paleolithic diet based on lean meat, fish, fruits, vegetables, root vegetables, eggs and nuts; and a Diabetes diet designed in accordance with dietary guidelines during two consecutive 3-month periods. Outcome variables included changes in weight, waist circumference, serum lipids, C-reactive protein, blood pressure, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), and areas under the curve for plasma glucose and plasma insulin in the 75 g oral glucose tolerance test. Dietary intake was evaluated by use of 4-day weighed food records.ResultsStudy participants had on average a diabetes duration of 9 years, a mean HbA1c of 6,6% units by Mono-S standard and were usually treated with metformin alone (3 subjects) or metformin in combination with a sulfonylurea (3 subjects) or a thiazolidinedione (3 subjects). Mean average dose of metformin was 1031 mg per day. Compared to the diabetes diet, the Paleolithic diet resulted in lower mean values of HbA1c (-0.4% units, p = 0.01), triacylglycerol (-0.4 mmol/L, p = 0.003), diastolic blood pressure (-4 mmHg, p = 0.03), weight (-3 kg, p = 0.01), BMI (-1 kg/m2, p = 0.04) and waist circumference (-4 cm, p = 0.02), and higher mean values of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (+0.08 mmol/L, p = 0.03). The Paleolithic diet was mainly lower in cereals and dairy products, and higher in fruits, vegetables, meat and eggs, as compared with the Diabetes diet. Further, the Paleolithic diet was lower in total energy, energy density, carbohydrate, dietary glycemic load, saturated fatty acids and calcium, and higher in unsaturated fatty acids, dietary cholesterol and several vitamins. Dietary GI was slightly lower in the Paleolithic diet (GI = 50) than in the Diabetic diet (GI = 55).ConclusionOver a 3-month study period, a Paleolithic diet improved glycemic control and several cardiovascular risk factors compared to a Diabetes diet in patients with type 2 diabetes.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT00435240.
Highlights
Our aim was to compare the effects of a Paleolithic ('Old Stone Age') diet and a diabetes diet as generally recommended on risk factors for cardiovascular disease in patients with type 2 diabetes not treated with insulin
In a randomized controlled study in 29 men with ischemic heart disease (IHD) and impaired glucose tolerance or type 2 diabetes, we found improved glucose tolerance independent of weight-loss after 12 weeks of Paleolithic diet compared to a Mediterranean-like diet [4]
Out of the remaining 17 eligible subjects, who were all randomized and started on the study, four subjects were excluded for the following reasons: one starting with Paleolithic diet was wrongly included with ongoing warfarin treatment, one starting with Paleolithic diet was unwilling to continue due to abdominal pains and bloating, one starting with Diabetes diet was excluded after developing leukemia, and one starting with Diabetes diet was excluded after developing heart failure
Summary
Our aim was to compare the effects of a Paleolithic ('Old Stone Age') diet and a diabetes diet as generally recommended on risk factors for cardiovascular disease in patients with type 2 diabetes not treated with insulin. In a non-controlled study on 14 healthy individuals, Österdahl et al found that three weeks on a Paleolithic diet significantly reduced weight, BMI, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) [9] In another non-controlled study in nine healthy overweight individuals where intervention food was supplied and weight kept steady, Frassetto et al found that ten days of a Paleolithic diet improved diastolic blood pressure (DBP), glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity and lipid profiles [10]. We have previously shown beneficial effects from Paleolithic diet on glycemic control and risk markers for CVD in patients with IHD and in domestic pigs. No study has so far examined the same potential beneficial effect of Paleolithic diet when compared to diabetes diet in subjects with type 2 diabetes
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
