Positive Health Online

Abstract

CASTETBON and COLLEAGUES, France, assessed dietary behaviour overall in adults diagnosed with diabetes compared with those of a general population of the same age (45 to 74 years) in a survey carried out in France 2006-7.

Background

A healthy diet has been shown to prevent diabetes complications. However, the eating habits of individuals with diabetes who are aware of their glycaemic condition have been poorly studied.

Methodology

This study's objective was to assess the dietary behaviour overall and according to dietary recommendations in adults diagnosed with diabetes compared with those of a general population of the same age (45 to 74 years) in a nationally representative survey carried out in France in 2006-2007 (Etude Nationale Nutrition Santé) (n=1,476 including 101 patients with diabetes). Trained dieticians assessed diet using three 24-hour recalls and diabetes was self-declared. After weighting and using multiple adjustments, mean food and nutrient intakes were compared according to diabetes status. Interactions with age and sex were sought.

Results

Adults with diabetes had lower intakes of sweetened foods (40 g/day vs 125 g/day), alcohol (1.45 g/day vs 1.64 g/day), energy (1,790 kcal/day vs 1,986 kcal/day), and simple sugar (63.1 g/day vs 89.8 g/day) and higher intakes of meat (126 g/day vs 109 g/day), complex carbohydrates (26.3% energy intake vs 23.6% energy intake), and vitamins B and E (628 μg/day vs 541 μg/day). In addition, 45- to 59-year-old individuals with diabetes ate more fruits and vegetables, fibre, beta carotene, folate, vitamin C, and potassium than adults of the same age who did not have diabetes. Overall, 45- to 74-year-old adults with diabetes had a higher-quality diet than individuals without diabetes.

Conclusion

However, compared with recommendations, a healthy diet continues to represent a public health challenge in terms of preventing diabetes complications.

References

Castetbon K, Bonaldi C, Deschamps V, Vernay M, Malon A, Salanave B, Druet C. Diet in 45- to 74-year-old individuals with diagnosed diabetes: comparison to counterparts without diabetes in a nationally representative survey (Etude Nationale Nutrition Santé 2006-2007). J Acad Nutr Diet. 114(6):918-25. doi: 10.1016/j.jand.2013.08.002. Epub 2013 Oct 30. Jun 2014.

Comment

The results of the above research are counter-intuitive; 45- to 74-year-old adults with diabetes had a higher-quality diet than individuals without diabetes. Follow-up research is needed to evaluate changes in diabetic complications in adults following a higher quality diet.