Cor Vasa 2004, 45(8):393-396
Insulin resistance and nutrition
- 1 Vedeckovýskumná základňa Slovenskej zdravotníckej univerzity - Ústav preventívnej a klinickej medicíny
- 2 Nemocnica Ministerstva obrany, Bratislava, Slovenská republika
Diets rich in carbohydrates with a low glycemic index and a high fiber content are associated with flat postprandial rises in blood glucose, minimal postprandial insulin secretion and maintenance of insulin sensitivity. Protective food commodities in prevention of cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance syndrome or diabetes are crucial components of vegetarian diet. Fasting levels of glucose and insulin as well as calculated values of insulin resistance /IR (HOMA)/ were assessed in two nutritional groups of apparently healthy adult subjects with normal weight (body mass index, 18.6-25.0 kg/m2): a vegetarian group (95 lacto-ovo-vegetarians) and a non-vegetarian control group (107 subjects of the general population on traditional mixed diet). Glucose and insulin levels and IR (HOMA) values were significantly reduced in vegetarians. Risk IR (HOMA) values > 3.8 were found in 6% of control subjects vs. no vegetarian. Frequency dietary questionnaires have shown that vegetarians consumed more whole-grain products, legumes, oats and barley products rich in slowly absorbed carbohydrates and soluble fiber. A positive linear correlation between IR (HOMA) and age was only significant in subjects on mixed diet. The age-independent and low IR (HOMA) value in vegetarians is the consequence of effective dietary prevention based on long-term frequent consumption of protective food. The results document a beneficial effect of vegetarian nutrition in the prevention of the metabolic syndrome, diabetes and, cardiovascular disease.
Keywords: Insulin resistance; Age; Vegetarian diet; Traditional mixed diet
Published: August 1, 2004 Show citation