Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 5, 2025

Mouse Electroacupuncture Fixation Device Fabrication for Electroacupuncture Pretreatment in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy Mouse Model
05:58

Mouse Electroacupuncture Fixation Device Fabrication for Electroacupuncture Pretreatment in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy Mouse Model

Published on: April 18, 2025

280

Application of Mediterranean Diet in Cardiovascular Diseases and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Motivations and Challenges

Najwa Salim AlAufi1, Yoke Mun Chan1, Mostafa I Waly2

  • 1Department of Dietetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Seri Kembangan 43400, Selangor, Malaysia.

Nutrients
|July 9, 2022
PubMed

Insights

The Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) shows strong evidence for improving cardiovascular disease (CVD) and Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) risk factors. Despite challenges in application and research, MedDiet offers a practical approach to prevention and treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Nutrition Science
  • Cardiology
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are leading causes of premature death.
  • The Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) is recognized for its potential protective effects against CVD and T2DM.
  • Despite evidence, challenges in applying and researching the MedDiet persist.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the motivations behind adopting the MedDiet.
  • To identify the challenges associated with MedDiet implementation in patients with CVD and T2DM.
  • To review the existing literature on MedDiet's role in managing CVD and T2DM.

Main Methods:

  • An extensive electronic literature search was performed across major databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Web of Science).
  • The search focused on studies published up to December 2021 concerning MedDiet in CVD and T2DM patients.
  • A rigorous selection process resulted in 108 eligible studies from an initial 1536.

Main Results:

  • Motivations for MedDiet include its holistic dietary pattern, health benefits, and unique characteristics.
  • Key challenges involve the lack of a universal MedDiet definition and scoring, and the impact of nutritional transition towards Westernized diets.
  • Research challenges include inconsistent findings, limited evidence, and difficulties in generalizing results.

Conclusions:

  • Consistent evidence supports MedDiet's inverse association with CVD risk factors and direct impact on glycemic control.
  • MedDiet is a subject of active research despite existing implementation and study challenges.
  • MedDiet presents a potentially revolutionary, practical, and non-invasive strategy for preventing and treating CVD and T2DM.
Abstract

Keywords:
cardiovascular diseasechallengesmediterranean dietmotivationtype 2 diabetes mellitus

More Related Videos

Modeling and Evaluation of Murine Diabetic Cardiomyopathy Model06:22

Modeling and Evaluation of Murine Diabetic Cardiomyopathy Model

Published on: November 29, 2024

753
Glycemic Impact on Knee Osteoarthritis Symptoms on Physical, Radiographic, and Inflammatory Markers among Individuals Aged 50 and Over with Diabetes07:22

Glycemic Impact on Knee Osteoarthritis Symptoms on Physical, Radiographic, and Inflammatory Markers among Individuals Aged 50 and Over with Diabetes

Published on: March 7, 2025

368

Related Concept Videos

Atherosclerosis III: Management01:26

Atherosclerosis III: Management

Management of atherosclerosis involves an integrated strategy encompassing pharmacological treatment, surgical interventions, lifestyle changes, and nutrition therapy to address the multifactorial nature of the disease.Pharmacological TherapyA cornerstone of atherosclerosis management is the use of pharmacological agents. Statins, such as atorvastatin, are pivotal in inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes an initial step in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This reduction in...
31
Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational01:22

Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational

Type 2 diabetes, characterized by insulin resistance, arises when the insulin receptors on cells lose responsiveness to insulin, diminishing the cell's capacity to take up glucose, resulting in elevated blood glucose levels. To receive a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes, a series of blood glucose tests are necessary to assess whether the blood glucose falls within normal parameters. If the result is out of the normal range, a patient may be diagnosed as prediabetic or diabetic, depending on the...
2.8K
Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction01:30

Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): An Overview with Scientific InsightsCoronary Artery Disease (CAD), often referred to as C-A-D, is a prevalent blood vessel disorder classified under the broader category of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a pathological process characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques are composed of cholesterol, fatty substances, inflammatory cells, calcium, and fibrin, reducing blood flow to...
53
Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures01:26

Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures

Effective preventive measures for coronary artery disease (CAD) focus on controlling modifiable risk factors, including cholesterol abnormalities and lifestyle changes.Cholesterol ManagementFirst, the Mediterranean diet and the American Heart Association advocate for maintaining low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels below 100 mg/dL, with a more stringent recommendation of below 70 mg/dL for individuals at high risk. LDL cholesterol, often termed "bad cholesterol," can lead to the...
31
Carbohydrate Metabolism01:36

Carbohydrate Metabolism

Carbohydrates are polymers composed of molecules containing atoms of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. One gram of carbohydrate can provide four kilo-calories of energy, which makes it the most efficient instant energy source.
Starch accounts for approximately 60% of the carbohydrates consumed by humans. Since amylase enzymes cannot function in the stomach's acidic environment, starch can only be digested in the mouth and small intestine. Simple sugars are found naturally in milk and fruits in...
11.6K
Diabetes: Management and Pharmacotherapy01:15

Diabetes: Management and Pharmacotherapy

The therapy for diabetes aims to alleviate hyperglycemia-related symptoms, prevent acute metabolic decompensation, and reduce chronic end-organ complications. Glycemic control is evaluated through short-term (self-monitoring, continuous glucose monitoring) and long-term (A1c, fructosamine) metrics, enabling near real-time tracking of blood glucose levels and reflecting glycemic control over specific time frames.
Insulin remains the cornerstone of treatment for most patients with type 1 and many...
351