Dietary and nutraceutical approach to type 2 diabetes

Abstract

Nutritional medical treatment is the first step to achieve adequate glycemic control and prevent diabetic complications. Lifestyle changes include moderate weight loss (7%) and regular physical activity (150 min/week). The appropriate diet composition is < 30% total fat, < 10% saturated fats, > 15 g/1000 kcal fiber, half soluble, 45-60% of carbohydrates with amoderate intake of sugar (50 g/day) and protein intake of 15-20% of the total calories a day. Patients need to limit the intake of saturated fats to < 7% of the daily calorie intake. Monounsaturated fatty acids such as olive oil and other vegetable oils are recommended. L-carnitine, α-lipoic acid, berberine and ω-3 fatty acids can be useful supplements.

Keywords: L-carnitine; berberine; diabetes; diet; ω-3.

Figure 1

Possible mechanisms of the protective effects afforded by mitochondria-targeting nutrients/compounds through the PGC-1α-mediated increase in mitochondrial biogenesis AMPK – AMP-activated protein kinase, NRF – nuclear respiratory factor, NO – nitric oxide, NOS – nitric oxide synthase, CaMKIV – calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IV, mTFA – mitochondrial transcription factor A, PKA – protein kinase A, CREB – cAMP-responsive element binding protein, PPARs – peroxisome proliferators-activated receptors, PGC-1α – PPAR-γ coactivator-1α