Comparison of the Effects on the Diurnal Blood Pressure, Glucose, and Lipid Levels of a Diet Rich in Monounsaturated Fatty Acids With a Diet Rich in Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Type 2 Diabetic Subjects

Abstract

The influence on blood pressure, glucose metabolism, and lipid levels of an exchange of polyunsaturated fatty acids with monounsaturated fatty acids in the diet was compared in 16 Type 2 diabetic outpatients. In a cross-over study design the patients were randomly assigned to 3 weeks treatments with a diet containing 30% energy as monounsaturated fatty acids, or an isoenergetic diet with 30% energy as polyunsaturated fatty acids. The contents of total fat, saturated fatty acids, cholesterol, and fibre were similar in the two diets. On the last days of the two diet periods, 24-h ambulatory blood pressure was measured and the responses of glucose, hormones, and lipids to a carbohydrate rich test meal were measured. As compared with the polyunsaturated fatty acids diet, the monounsaturated fatty acids diet reduced 24-h systolic (129 +/- 11 vs 124 +/- 8 mmHg (mean +/- SD), p = 0.02) and diastolic blood pressure (76 +/- 11 vs 73 +/- 8 mmHg, p = 0.02). The two diets had similar, beneficial effects on glycaemic control, and cholesterol and lipoprotein concentrations. A diet rich in monounsaturated fatty acids has beneficial effects on the blood pressure, while similar effects on glucose and lipid levels are observed in normotensive Type 2 diabetic subjects.