ISLAMABAD, Jan 27 (APP): Mediterranean diet loaded with
fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins and healthy fats for
six months may benefit people with HIV and Type 2 diabetes.
According to researchers, through healthy food and snacks
HIV-positive people were more likely to adhere to their medication
regimens, and people with type 2 diabetes, were less depressed and
less likely to make trade-offs between food and healthcare,
BBC health reported.
The study was designed to evaluate whether helping people
get medically appropriate, comprehensive nutrition would improve
their health.
“We saw significant improvements in food security and in
outcomes related to all three mechanisms through which we posited
food insecurity may affect HIV and diabetes health–nutritional,
mental health, and behavioral,” Kartika Palar from University
Of California said.
“We saw dramatic improvements in depression, the distress of
having diabetes, diabetes self-management, trading-off between
food and healthcare and HIV medication adherence,” Palar added.
They included 52 participants in the study. They found
number of people with diabetes who achieved optimal blood sugar
control increased, and decreases in hospitalizations or emergency
department visits, but these changes did not reach statistical
significance.
Participants with diabetes also consumed less sugar and lost
weight. The researchers followed the participants for six months
and found they consumed fewer fats, while increasing their
consumption of fruits and vegetables.
Overall, those in the study had fewer symptoms of depression
and were less likely to binge drink. For those with HIV, adherence
to antiretroviral therapy increased from 47 to 70 percent.
The meals and snacks, which participants picked up twice a
week, were based on the Mediterranean diet and featured fresh
fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats like olive oil,
and whole grains.
This study highlights the vital role that community-based
food support organisations can play in supporting health and well-
being of chronically ill populations who struggle to afford basic
needs.