Association between adherence to dietary recommendations and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein level in type 1 diabetes.

Aims: Inflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. Diet, as a modifiable risk factor, may in turn impact systemic inflammation. We therefore assessed whether adherence to the dietary recommendations is associated with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) concentrations in type 1 diabetes.

Methods: Cross-sectional data from 677 FinnDiane study participants (48% men, mean±standard deviation age 46±13years) were included. Dietary intake was assessed with a self-administered questionnaire. A diet score, with higher values denoting better adherence to the recommendations, was calculated. Serum hs-CRP concentration was measured, and individuals with hs-CRP <1.0mg/l, and hs-CRP >3.0 but ≤10.0mg/l were compared.

Results: Men and women with high hs-CRP had higher BMI, waist circumference, and triglyceride concentration, but lower HDL-cholesterol concentration. Adjusted for BMI, mean diet score was higher in the low hs-CRP group, both in men (10.8±3.6 vs. 9.9±3.8, p=0.023) and women (12.7±3.4 vs. 11.6±3.5, p=0.021). After further adjustments with potential confounding factors, the difference remained significant only in men.

Conclusions: A diet that more closely adheres to the dietary recommendations is associated with lower hs-CRP in men. A prudent diet may help reduce systemic inflammation in type 1 diabetes.