A 12-month randomized controlled trial aimed to established the importance of diet in the vascular structure and function of diabetic patients. The goal of the study was to assess whether consuming more fruits and vegetables in a year lessened the risk of cardiovascular dysfunction among patients with diabetes. The results of the study were published in the Journal of Nutrition & Intermediary Metabolism.

• A total of 118 participants were observed and divided into two groups. All participants had either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes.
• The first group increased their intake of vegetables and fruits by two and one serving, respectively. The other group continued with their normal diet.
• Researchers measured each participant’s carotid artery intima media thickness (CCA-IMT), which was defined as the primary outcome of the study.
• Secondary outcomes were peripheral and central blood pressure measured at baseline, and at three, six, nine, and 12 months.
• The intervention group likewise received dietary counseling at baseline, and at one, three, six, and nine months.
• Participants from the intervention group displayed a dramatic regression of CCA-IMT after 12 months.
• Moreover, those who consumed more fruits and vegetables were seen to have a lowered diastolic blood pressure.

It was concluded that improving one’s nutrition – particularly in the increased consumption of fruits and vegetables – could slow down CCA-IMT progression. This, in turn, may lessen one’s risk of developing a cardiovascular condition.

Journal Reference:

Peterson, K.S., Keogh, J.B., Blanch, N., Clifton, P.M. THE EFFECT OF IMPROVING DIETARY QUALITY ON MEASURES OF VASCULAR STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION IN A POPULATION WITH DIABETES. Journal of Nutrition & Intermediary Metabolism. 2016. 4; DOI: 10.1016/j.jnim.2015.12.178