The effects of a high fibre, low fat and low sodium dietary regime on diabetic hypertensive patients of different ethnic groups

Abstract

Fifty-three diabetic patients with mild hypertension were allocated to a treatment diet with a high fibre, low fat and low sodium dietary regime or a control diet. After a 1-month treatment period, the modifieddiet treated group (n=35) showed a highly significant reduction in mean diastolic blood pressure (P<0.001) accompanied by significant reduction in urinary sodium excretion (P<0.01). The mean values of diastolic pressure (P<0.05) and urinary sodium/potassium ratio (P<0.01) were also significantly reduced at 1 month compared to control. White (n= 16) and West Indian (n= 10) diabetic hypertensive patients demonstrated a similar significant hypotensive response (P<0.05 and <0.01 respectively) with reduction in urinary sodium excretion to the modified diet. In contrast, Asian patients demonstrated no significant changes. Treatment of hypertension in diabetic subjects with a high fibre, low fat and low sodium dietary regimen may have a hypotensive response after a period of 1 month and there is a similar response in both black and white ethnic groups. Further observation of these patients will determine long-term response and compliance. © 1983 The Fellowship of Postgraduate Medicine.