Comparing diabetic with non-diabetic overweight subjects through assessing dietary intakes and key parameters of blood biochemistry and haematology.

Introduction: An important way of preventing type 2 diabetes is by adopting a proper diet by which means appropriate control over blood glycaemia and lipids can be achieved.

Objectives: To assess selected biochemical and haematological markers in overweight subjects or those suffering from type 2 diabetes in relation to their estimated dietary intake.

Material And Methods: The study was conducted in 2012 on n = 86 overweight or obese subjects living in Warsaw or its environs, of whom n = 43 had type 2 diabetes. Dietary intakes were compared between non-diabetics (control group) and diabetics (test group) by 3 day records, whilst the relevant blood biochemistry and haematology results were obtained from medical records; with patient consent.

Results: Diabetic subjects had significantly higher serum glucose and CRP levels than controls, respectively; 190 vs 98 mg/ dl and 1.4 vs 1.1 mg/dl. Lipid profiles were however more significantly abnormal in controls, compared to diabetics with respectively; total cholesterol 220 vs 194 mg/dl, LDL-cholesterol 131 vs 107 mg/dl and triglycerides 206 vs 157 mg/dl. There were no significant differences in HDL-cholesterol; respectively 55 vs 51 mg/dl. In the diabetics, calorific intakes from carbohydrates, especially sugars, were significantly lower than controls i.e. 9% vs 13%. The proportional share of calories derived from dietary fats did not differ between groups, nevertheless a positive correlation was observed between dietary fat content with blood cholesterol concentrations in diabetics.

Conclusions: Disorders of carbohydrate metabolism were confirmed in both overweight and diabetic (type 2) subjects. In addition, both groups demonstrated untoward lipid profiles that correlated with their improper nutrition.