Diet therapy in non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM)

The main approach in NIDDM therapy is diet. Most patients present insulin resistance characterized by overweight, VLDL increase, minimal increase of LDL, decrease of HDL cholesterol, and hypertension. The overall goals of nutrition therapy are the maintenance of near normal glucose levels, and the achievement of optimal serum lipid levels with adequate calories for maintaining or attaining a reasonable body weight. In presence of obesity and hypertension even a slightly weight loss could achieve an improvement in metabolic control and in hypertension with a better life expectance. General-ly carbohydrate intake would represent the 50-60% of total caloric amount (with preference to those with low glycemic index), and lipids no more than 35% (less than 10% of these 10-15% from monounsaturated fats with less than 300 mg/day of cholesterol). If elevated very low density lipoproteins level is the primary problem, a beneficial approach is 10% of total caloric intake from saturated fats, 10% from polyunsaturated, and 15-20% from monounsaturated fats with less than 200 mg/day of cholesterol and 40% of carbohydrates. A large amount of fructose (20% of calories) may increase LDL levels but sweeteners as saccarine or aspartame are approved and determine a better diet compliance. Daily consumpion of 20-35 g of dietary fibres from food sources is recommended for metabolic control. Protein intake would be of about 10% of total caloric amount especially in presence of diabetic nepropathy. Alcohol would not exceed 30 g/day for men and 20 g/day for women keeping in mild that alcohol may worsen metabolic control, diet compliance, and may be dangerous itself. For people with hypertension a decrease of dietary sodium intake is recommended. Nutritional recommendations are developed to meet treatment goals and desired outcomes. Monitoring metabolic parameters, blood pressure, and body weight is very important to ensure successful outcomes.