The effect of a high fibre, low fat, low sodium diet on diabetics with intermittent claudication
Pacy, P.J.; Dodson, P.M.; Taylor, M.P.
British Journal of Clinical Practice 40(8): 313-317
1986
ISSN/ISBN: 0007-0947 PMID: 3017394 Document Number: 272275
In a pilot study, the clinical and biochemical effects of an intended diet high in cereal fibre (40 to 45 g daily) and complex carbohydrate (45 to 50% daily energy), low in fat (25% daily energy) and sodium (60 to 80 mmol daily) given for 3 months to 17 diabetics with intermittent claudication were studied. The diet did not improve duration of exercise on a treadmill, with similar maximum heart rates during both exercise periods. Doppler ankle:arm systolic pressure ratios remained unchanged. However, 13 of the patients stated considerable decrease in symptoms. The modified diet was associated with a decrease of several cardiovascular risk factors: systolic and diastolic blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, serum triglyceride and weight. In addition, glycaemic control reflected by mean glycosylated haemoglobin value improved. In diabetics who were initially hyperlipaemic, the beneficial effect of the diet on cardiovascular risk factors seemed more pronounced.