Iris van Damme1, Eva van Veldhuisen1, Renate Winkels1, Marianne Geleijnse1
1 Division of Human Nutrition and Health, Wageningen University, Wageningen, Netherlands, Funded by Regiodeal Foodvalley
Background
Although nutritional advice plays an important role in management of type 2 diabetes (T2D), it remains unknown whether the current dietary guidelines are sufficient to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in this group. This trial aims to investigate if adherence to a fibre-rich diet according to the Dutch Dietary Guidelines provide cardiovascular health benefits for T2D patients by assessing changes in blood glucose, blood lipids and blood pressure. Secondary aims include to explore if these guidelines fit into the daily lives of people with T2D.
Methods
The VJBD trial is an ongoing randomized controlled trial that started in December 2022. Adults with non-insulin dependent T2D were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive dietician-guided personalized dietary advice or to continue usual care for six months. Physical examinations took place at the Wageningen University at baseline, six and twelve months, after an overnight fast. Besides, participants completed multiple questionnaires, including a Food Frequency Questionnaire to calculate the Dutch Healthy Eating Index, Self-Perceived Food Literacy Questionnaire and questionnaires to assess quality of life at baseline and six months.
Results
After eligibility screening, 121 individuals were included (67% male). Mean age was 67 years and average BMI 27.6 kg/m2. Fasting glucose level at baseline was 8.8 mmol/l, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol was 2.67 mmol/l and blood pressure 142/77 mmHg. A Average diet quality score was 107 out of 160 and average food literacy score was 3.2 out of 5 (higher scores indicating better diet quality and literacy).
Conclusion
The elevated blood pressure values underscore the importance of cardiovascular risk management in this group. This trial aims to fill this knowledge gap. Results are expected in October 2024 and will be presented.