Nutritional influences on inflammation and type 2 diabetes risk

Diabetes Technol Ther. 2006 Feb;8(1):45-54. doi: 10.1089/dia.2006.8.45.

Abstract

There is a clear role for inflammation in the development of type 2 diabetes and its associated co-morbidities. Circulating inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein, sialic acid, and interleukin- 6 are all significant independent predictors of disease. A number of nutritional components are hypothesized to modulate inflammation, and hence impact on disease risk. The most extensively studied nutrients are the long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. However, evidence is also emerging with respect to whole grain or low glycemic index foods and antioxidant vitamins. Obesity, resulting from long-term dietary energy excess, is also strongly linked to raised inflammatory status and type 2 diabetes. To date, much of the evidence for the effect of nutrients or foods on disease risk has been based on epidemiological associations. However, the links among diet, inflammation, and type 2 diabetes are supported by some data from human dietary intervention trials and/or mechanistic studies in animals. Further research is required to quantify the precise role and refine the evidence base. However, the proposed "anti-inflammatory" strategies to tackle type 2 diabetes are broadly consistent with current public health nutrition guidelines: to achieve and maintain a healthy weight, to reduce saturated fat, to increase the proportion of less refined forms of carbohydrate, and to increase intake of fruits and vegetables.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antioxidants
  • Biomarkers / blood
  • C-Reactive Protein / metabolism*
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / epidemiology*
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / physiopathology
  • Diabetic Angiopathies / epidemiology*
  • Diabetic Angiopathies / prevention & control
  • Dietary Fats, Unsaturated
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / epidemiology*
  • Inflammation / prevention & control
  • Nutritional Physiological Phenomena*
  • Obesity / prevention & control*

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Biomarkers
  • Dietary Fats, Unsaturated
  • C-Reactive Protein