Vegetables and fruits consumption by individuals with diabetes mellitus type 2

Abstract

INTRODUCTION. According to Polish Diabetology Association, diet in diabetes mellitus type 2 should not differ from nutritional guidelines for healthy individuals. World Health Organization recommends to consume minimum 400 g of vegetables and fruits daily, that may be fulfilled by 5 servings a day. The aim of the study was to evaluate vegetables and fruits consumption in the group of individuals with diabetes type 2 taking oral hypoglycemic drugs.
MATERIAL AND METHODS. The object of the study were 223 nutrition questionnaires (82 from men and 141 from women), got during encounter about diabetes mellitus type 2 management. The questionnaire concerned frequency of fruits and vegetables consumption as well as most frequently chosen species. For each individual, daily supply of available carbohydrates and fibre from fruits and vegetables was estimated.
RESULTS. The average age of participants was 63.6 ± 7.6 (42–81) years. Majority of people were overweight (39.5%) or obese (42.9%). Median of vegetables and fruits consumption was in both cases 1 serving daily. Supply of available carbohydrates from fruits (10.10 g) was higher than from vegetables (3.81 g), while supply of fibre from vegetables (2.73 g) was higher than from fruits (2.00 g).
CONCLUSIONS. Majority of participants consumed not enough servings of vegetables. Women consumed more often fruits than men. Higher frequency of fruits consumption was associated with higher supply of available carbohydrates, while higher frequency of vegetables consumption was associated with higher supply of fibre. It seems to be reasonable, to recommend patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 higher consumption of vegetables, rather than fruits. (Diabet. Prakt. 2010; 11, 6: 221–229)