Better diet helps diabetes

Efforts on the management of type 2 diabetes in the benefits of lifestyle intervention on drug treatment after the latest discoveries from the University of Otago.

In the first study of this type, the intensity of food has been consulting to improve glycemic control in type 2 diabetes patients, while what is considered the best medication available.

The six-month study by the University of Edgar National Center for Research on diabetes risk 87 diabetic patients divided into two groups. Both optimized obtain medical care, but patients, one of the groups regular simple nutritional advice from a Dietitian.

Lead Investigator Dr. Kirsten Coppell, so that at the end of the study, glycemic control measures were significantly improved in the group who seek advice. The group also has an average weight loss of 2 kg and 3 cm smaller.

"For good glycemic control is a key objective in the management of diabetes, as they can prevent the long-term complications such as kidney failure, heart disease, amputation and blindness," says Coppell.

"Before the generalization of the fight against counterfeit medicines against diabetes, the emphasis in Diabetes Care has been for food and lifestyle. Our research shows that this general rule, the sooner forget Currently a "pill for every ill", still has a place in the management of diabetes. "

Rather than relying on a strict diet, nutritional advice, the study was to each of the socio-economic and cultural. It was factors such as the promotion of small meals, reduction of bad components in their diets while eating more fruits and vegetables, "she says.

"The next step in research is to explore the obstacles, there was for patients, aspects of the adoption of dietary advice. Our goal is to develop a program, put into service to improve the health of hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders, including diabetes, "she says.

Dr. Coppell presents the preliminary results of life about the drug in diabetes education to the society of New Zealand for the study of diabetes at the University of Otago