Nutritional Aspects to Cardiovascular Diseases and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Purpose of Review In this narrative review, we discuss the current evidence related to the role of dietary interventions to prevent and treat type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). We also propose alternative therapeutic strategies other than weight loss in this population, namely, improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness and its determinants. Recent Findings While weight loss has been consistently associated with the prevention of T2DM and improvements in glycemic control in those with established diseases, its role in preventing and treating CVD is less clear. In fact, in this setting, improvements in diet quality have provided greater benefits, suggesting that this might represent an alternative, or an even more effective strategy than energy-restriction. Summary Improvements in diet quality, with and without caloric restriction have been shown to improve CVD risk and to prevent the development of T2DM in individuals at risk; however, with regard to glycemic control in patients with T2DM, any dietary intervention resulting in significant weight loss may produce clinically meaningful benefits. Finally, dietary interventions with and without energy restriction that can improve cardiorespiratory fitness, even in absence of weight loss in patients with obesity, should be encouraged.

Antidiabetic drug administration prevents bone mineral density loss: Evidence from a two-sample Mendelian randomization study

“…As human societies continue to develop and face the challenges of an aging population, there has been a notable global increase in the incidence of diabetes [ 18 , 19 ]. This rise is accompanied by a spectrum of acute and chronic complications that pose significant risks to patient health.…”

Evaluation of Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Using Clinical Laboratory Markers

“…In clinical and public health contexts, it is critical to identify individuals at an early stage of their risk of CVD and delay the onset of cardiovascular complications, a leading cause of death and a major source of poor quality of life for individuals with DM. Multiple studies have demonstrated the efficacy of preventing cardiovascular complications in patients with DM through risk stratification for CVD, along with the management of blood glucose, blood pressure, lipid levels, and weight loss [ 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 ].…”