Dietary Patterns Can Predict Metabolic Syndrome and Diabetes

A recent study looked at young adulthood dietary patterns to determine if the patterns can predict the risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and diabetes-related biomarkers prior to middle age. And the researchers determined that eating patterns can be predictive. The diabetes-related biomarkers that can be predicted  include high blood pressure, insulin resistance, prediabetes and high β-cell function.

MetS is a collection of comorbid conditions that raise the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. These conditions include hypertension, hyperglycemia, abdominal obesity, and abnormal cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common illness where the blood's long-term push on your artery walls is so great that it may ultimately result in health issues including heart disease.

Insulin resistance is the inability of muscle, fat, and liver cells to use glucose from the blood for energy. Prediabetes is a condition in which the blood glucose is higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes.

High beta-cell (β-cell) function refers to β-cells producing more insulin than normal in order to reduce blood sugar levels.  This can make the β-cell overwork. "This overwork can lead to the loss of β-cells or to β-cells being unable to carry out their function effectively."

To do the analysis, the researchers, in the study, used data on young adults from a long running birth cohort in Australia. The researchers assessed persons in two groups who followed two diet patterns. One group followed a typical western dietary pattern which was rich in meats, refined grains, processed and fried foods. And the other group followed a dietary pattern rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains and legumes. The participants were examined at 21 years and 30 years. Among the cardiometabolic parameter the researchers looked at were blood pressure, MetS, insulin resistance, prediabetes, and  β-cell function.

The researchers concluded that following an unhealthy Western diet was associated with increased chances of MetS and insulin resistance, while following a healthy, sensible diet was associated with decreased risks. Diets must be optimized in early adulthood in order to promote later cardiometabolic health.

Healthcare providers should start advising young adults in their twenties and thirties to follow a healthy eating pattern such as a whole foods, plant-based pattern. Following this type of diet could likely improve long-term health and possibly prevent metabolic syndrome and diabetes. And this will benefit the patient and lower healthcare costs.

 

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