Evidence of dietary factors for the prevention of diabetes-related complications in individuals with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

• Applicant: Dr. Janett Barbaresko
• Subject Area: Nutritional Sciences
• Term: since 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 543196256

The number of people living with diabetes mellitus is raising worldwide. In 2021, it has been estimated that over 530 million adults have diabetes mellitus. A persistent high blood glucose level is associated with several complications such as cardiovascular diseases (CVD), kidney diseases, diabetes-related neuropathy and diabetes-related eye disease. Subsequently, the presence of diabetes and its complications is associated with higher burden of diseases and premature death. Modifiable risk factors foremost weight reduction as well as physical activity and a beneficial diet are cornerstones in diabetes management. There are dietary guidelines for the prevention of diabetes-related complications available; however, these recommendations are largely based on findings from the general population or single study findings, or are derived from clinical studies on surrogate biomarkers (such as glycaemic control or lipid profiles), and are mostly not evidence-based. Thus, the aim of this project is to systematically summarise and evaluate the currently available evidence on dietary factors and the risk of diabetes-related complications in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Therefore, a systematic literature search will be conducted to identify studies that investigated dietary factors, including dietary patterns, food groups, macro- and micronutrients, secondary plant compounds, in association 1) to CVD incidence and mortality, and 2) to incidence of kidney disease, diabetes-related eye disease and neuropathy in individuals with type 2 diabetes. In preliminary searches, we already identified over 150 studies on CVD and over 50 studies on kidney disease, diabetes-related eye disease and neuropathy. This project will be the first to comprehensively summarise the available evidence and conduct meta-analyses on the association of dietary factors and diabetes-related outcomes in individuals with type 2 diabetes. This systematic review and meta-analysis will provide important impact regarding evidence-based recommendations on dietary behaviour for individuals with type 2 diabetes. Moreover, research gaps can be identified and further research questions can be developed.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants