An Okinawan-based Nordic diet improves anthropometry, metabolic control, and health-related quality of life in Scandinavian patients with type 2 diabetes: a pilot trial

  • Gassan Darwiche Lund University, Sweden
  • Peter Höglund Lund University, Sweden
  • Bodil Roth Lund University, Sweden
  • Ewa Larsson Lund University, Sweden
  • Trygve Sjöberg Lund University, Sweden
  • Björn Wohlfart Lund University, Sweden
  • Stig Steen Lund University, Sweden
  • Bodil Ohlsson Lund University, Sweden
Keywords: Anthropometry, Metabolic control, interventional study, type 2 diabetes, Okinawan diet, Nordic diet, quality of life

Abstract

Background: Our hypothesis was that a modified diet would improve blood glucose control with beneficial impact on weight management and overall health in established diabetes.

Objective: This prospective interventional study investigated the clinical effect of an Okinawan-based Nordic diet on anthropometry, metabolic control, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in Scandinavian type 2 diabetes patients.

Design: Food was prepared and delivered to 30 type 2 diabetes patients. Clinical information along with data on HRQoL, blood samples, and urine samples were collected during 12 weeks of diet interventions, with follow-up 16 weeks after diet completion.

Results: After 12 weeks of dietary intervention, a reduction in body weight (7%) (p<0.001), body mass index (p<0.001), and waist circumference (7.0 cm) (p<0.001) was seen. Improved levels of proinsulin (p=0.005), insulin (p=0.011), and fasting plasma glucose (p<0.001) were found already after 2 weeks; these improved levels remained after 12 weeks when lowered levels of C-peptide (p=0.015), triglycerides (p=0.009), total cholesterol (p=0.001), and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (p=0.041) were also observed. Insulin resistance homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance was lowered throughout the study, with a 20% reduction in hemoglobin A1c levels (p<0.001) at week 12, despite reduced anti-diabetes treatment. Lowered systolic blood pressure (9.6 mmHg) (p<0.001), diastolic blood pressure (2.7 mmHg) (p<0.001), and heart and respiratory rates (p<0.001) were accompanied by decreased cortisol levels (p=0.015) and improvement in HRQoL. At follow-up, increased levels of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol were found (p=0.003).

Conclusion: This interventional study demonstrates a considerable improvement of anthropometric and metabolic parameters and HRQoL in Scandinavian type 2 diabetes patients when introducing a modified Okinawan-based Nordic diet, independently of exercise or other interventions. Through these dietary changes, anti-diabetes treatment could be decreased or cancelled.

Keywords: anthropometry; metabolic control; interventional study; type 2 diabetes; Okinawan diet; Nordic diet; quality of life

(Published: 22 September 2016)

Citation: Food & Nutrition Research 2016, 60: 32594 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/fnr.v60.32594

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Author Biographies

Gassan Darwiche, Lund University, Sweden
Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Internal Medicine, Lund University, and Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
Peter Höglund, Lund University, Sweden
Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Chemistry & Pharmacology, Lund University, and Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
Bodil Roth, Lund University, Sweden

Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Internal Medicine, Lund University, and Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden

Ewa Larsson, Lund University, Sweden
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, and Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
Trygve Sjöberg, Lund University, Sweden
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, and Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
Björn Wohlfart, Lund University, Sweden
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, and Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
Stig Steen, Lund University, Sweden

Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, and Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden

Bodil Ohlsson, Lund University, Sweden

Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Internal Medicine, Lund University, and Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden

Published
2016-09-22
How to Cite
Darwiche G., Höglund P., Roth B., Larsson E., Sjöberg T., Wohlfart B., Steen S., & Ohlsson B. (2016). An Okinawan-based Nordic diet improves anthropometry, metabolic control, and health-related quality of life in Scandinavian patients with type 2 diabetes: a pilot trial. Food & Nutrition Research, 60. https://doi.org/10.3402/fnr.v60.32594
Section
Original Articles