Mixed
Adherence to a Mediterranean diet increases circulating levels of specific endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) phenotypes (CD34+KDR+ and CD34+KDR+CD133+) and promotes the regression of carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes.
For individuals with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes, adopting a Mediterranean-style diet—characterized by high intake of vegetables, whole grains, and olive oil, with moderate protein from poultry and fish and low red meat—can significantly improve blood vessel health. This dietary pattern increases the body's supply of endothelial progenitor cells (which repair blood vessels) and helps reverse early signs of atherosclerosis (thickening of artery walls) more effectively than a standard low-fat diet. This benefit is sustained over the long term (5+ years).
Compared with a low-fat diet, a long-term trial with Mediterranean diet was associated with an increase in circulating EPCs levels and prevention of the progression of subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes.
Why this rating
Randomized controlled trial with long-term follow-up (8.1 years) and blinded outcome assessment, though the sample size (n=215) is moderate and the population is specific (newly diagnosed T2D).
Source
Effect of a Mediterranean diet on endothelial progenitor cells and carotid intima-media thickness in type 2 diabetes: Follow-up of a randomized trial
Maria Ida Maiorino et al. · European Journal of Preventive Cardiology · 2016
DOI 10.1177/2047487316676133
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