Nutritional Intake of Children and Adolescents with Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus in Crete, Greece

Abstract

Background/Aims: The incidence of childhood insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) is rapidly increasing in Greece. The aim of this study was to examine nutrient patterns of children and adolescents with IDDM in Crete. Methods: A case-control survey of eating habits was conducted among 41 children and adolescents, aged 6–17 years, with IDDM (cases) and healthy sex- and age-matched controls, recruited from Heraklion University Hospital and the village of Rouvas, Crete, respectively. Dietary data was based on 24-hour recall records. Results: Dietary intake was similar between the groups. Both groups exceeded the recommendations for total and saturated fat and consumed lower than recommended amounts of dietary fibre and total carbohydrates. Children with IDDM consumed more dairy products and vegetables and less meats and cereals. Vegetables were consumed by a relatively high proportion of children and adolescents in both groups, but there was a higher proportion of fruit consumers amongst the IDDM group. For those who ate fruit and vegetables, intake approximated current recommendations of 400 g/day. Conclusions: The need to increase complex carbohydrates and reduce the consumption of total and saturated fat, in order to approach the traditional dietary pattern of Crete for this population, should be addressed via appropriate nutrition education programmes.