Unsatisfactory nutritional parameters in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

Four-day food records, body mass index and glycosylated hemoglobin levels were measured in 212 subjects with established non-insulin-dependent diabetes, who volunteered for a trial of educational programmes. Of these subjects, 79% were above their ideal body weights and 75% of subjects had a glycosylated haemoglobin level that was above the normal range. Ninety-five per cent of subjects reported a total fat intake greater than 30% of their total energy intake, and 80% of subjects reported total carbohydrate intake of less than 50% of their total energy intake. These results suggest that the current methods for the management of non-insulin-dependent diabetes do not achieve optimal long-term dietary results.