Effects of a low-energy diet with and without oat bran and olive oil supplements on body mass index, blood pressure, and serum lipids in diabetic women: A randomized controlled trial

Type 2 diabetes is an epidemic public health issue worldwide. It is common among adults and is more severe among overweight and obese subjects. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of a low-energy diet with and without oat bran and olive oil supplements on body mass index, blood pressure, and serum lipids in women with diabetes. It was conducted for three months among 78 participants after dividing them into six groups. Groups 2 to 6 were received low-energy diet (1,600 kcal/day), with or without oat bran (10 g/day) and olive oil (5 g/day) supplements. Weight, height, blood pressure, and serum lipids were measured. A low-energy diet with and without oat bran and olive oil supplements lowers body mass index in subjects by 0.9%-6.0% on average. It also lowers systolic and diastolic blood pressure by 1.0%-9.0% and 4.8%-12.6%, respectively. Serum triglycerides were declined in groups 2, 3, and 4 by 27.2%, 17.3%, and 1.7%, respectively, but not significantly. Total cholesterol was dropped significantly by 8.3% only when the low-energy diet was used with oat bran supplement among obese subjects, while LDL cholesterol was dropped significantly by 20.0% only when it was used with oat bran and olive oil supplements among subjects with high serum triglycerides. Proper control of type 2 diabetes among overweight and obese adults is needed to control cardiovascular complications. This could be accomplished by following a low-energy diet and incorporating healthy foods such as oat and olive oil into the usual diet.