THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET AND GLYCEMIC REGULATION IN PATIENTS WITH DYSLIPIDEMIA AND DIABETES MELLITUS TYPE 2

Abstract

Objective: The Mediterranean diet is considered a cornerstone in the regulation of the person with dyslipidemia and diabetes mellitus. The aim of the study is to record the eating habits of patients with dyslipidemia and type 2 diabetes mellitus and to correlate these habits with their regulation. Design and method: This study involved 948 patients (490 men and 458 women with an average age of 61.6±7 years). A registration questionnaire was used for their demographic, somatometric data, their eating habits, their medication and patients’ compliance with them was reassessed with a review after six months. Results: The duration of dyslipidemia was 12.7±14.2 years and DM2 was 12.8±14.4 years. The mean value of glycosylated hemoglobin was (HbA1c) 6.73±2.55%, with 57.1% of patients having HbA1c less than 7%. The body mass index (BMI) was 32.6±6.85 in both sexes (p = 0.440). 66.8% of patients were overweight, and obese with women having higher rates. 87.1% of patients consume breakfast, fruits more than 7 times a week consume 33.1%, vegetables at least 2 times 53.6%, meat 2 times 42%, fish 1 time 46.8%, legumes 65%, chicken 2 times 29.1% and sweets consume 16.6% of patients. A positive association with the regulation of dyslipidemia and DM2 is shown by the consumption of balanced breakfast (p = 0.001) and the presence of 2 main meals in the daily schedule (p = 0.008). The high consumption of junk food (p = 0.009), the consumption of soft drinks (p = 0.056) and the consumption of sweets (p< 0.001) had a negative impact. 27% of patients were in higher education, 43.5% in secondary education, and 31.5% in basic education. Insufficient control of dyslipidemia was in 60,5% of patients. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was found to be less in those who followed the Mediterranean diet. Conclusions: The eating habits of people with dyslipidemia and DM2 affect their regulation having a positive effect especially on glycemic regulation. The adoption of the Mediterranean diet is accompanied by a reduction in the risk of developing metabolic syndrome.