Effects of Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) Eating Plan on Inflammation and Liver Functional Tests among Type 2 Diabetic Patients

Background : Considering that the new cardiovascular risk factors are important among type 2 diabetes. We evaluated the effects of the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating pattern on inflammation and novel cardiovascular risk factors in type 2 diabetic patients.

  Materials and Method : In this eight-weeks crossover randomized clinical trail, 31 type 2 diabetic patients were on a control diet or the DASH diet. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products are consumed in high amounts in this diet. However, saturated fat, total fat, cholesterol, refined grains, and sweets are recommended in low amounts. DASH diet had a total of 2,400 mg sodium per day. There was a four week washout between two trial phases. C-reactive protein level, coagulation indices and hepatic function tests were measured at baseline and after each phase of trial.

  Results : The mean percent change for plasma C-reactive protein level was -26.9±3.5% after the DASH diet and

  -5.1±3.8% after the control diet (p=0.001). Both alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels were significantly reduced after consuming the DASH diet compared to the control diet (-14.8±3.0 % vs -6.6±3.4% p=0.001, -29.4±3.7% vs -5.9±1.4% p=0.001, respectively). The DASH diet reduced the plasma fibrinogen level compared to the control diet (-11.4±3.6% and 0.5±3.4% p=0.03, respectively). 

  Conclusion : Among diabetic patients, the DASH diet can play an important role in reducing inflammation, plasma levels of fibrinogen and liver aminotranferases. Future long-term studies are recommended . [ZJRMS, 2012 14(2): 9-15 ]