Comparison of the dietary intakes of individuals with and without type 1 diabetes in China

Abstract

Background and objectives: The objective was to compare the dietary intakes of individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D) to individuals without diabetes in China.

Methods and study design: Data are from 1) the 3C Nutrition Ancillary Study, a cross-sectional study of individuals with T1D in China, and 2) the China Health and Nutrition Survey. Dietary intake in both samples was assessed using three 24-hour recalls. ANCOVA and multivariable logistic regression, adjusted for sex, age, and urban-rural residence, were used to assess differences in nutrient and food group intake between participants without diabetes (n=1059) and participants with T1D (n=97), who were stratified by insulin regimen (basal-bolus, n=49, versus fixed, n=48).

Results: Participants with T1D had a lower percentage of energy from carbohydrates, higher vegetable intake, and were more likely to consume lowfat cakes and fungi/sea weed compared to participants without diabetes (all p<0.05). Distinguishing characteristics of insulin regimen groups also emerged. Participants on fixed regimens had higher intakes of wheat and were less likely to consume fruit and more likely to consume high-fat cakes and dairy compared to participants without diabetes (all p<0.05). Participants on basal-bolus regimens were less likely to consume fried foods and more likely to consume fish/shellfish compared to participants without diabetes (all p<0.05).

Conclusions: Differences in dietary intake between participants with and without T1D in China suggest that dietary modifications are common and reflect carbohydrate-conscious nutrition recommendations for individuals with T1D. Future research should focus on the health effects of these modifications.