OBJECTIVE - To assess the effects of two controlled diets, one rich in
oleic acid obtained from avocado and olive oil and the other rich in
complex carbohydrates, on fasting and postprandial serum lipids and gl
ycemic control in 12 women with NIDDM. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS - A
randomized crossover study was designed. During a 4-week baseline per
iod, all patients received the isocaloric diets recommended by the Ame
rican Diabetes Association. After this period the patients were random
ly assigned to receive the two study diets alternately during two 4-we
ek periods. One diet was high in monounsaturated fatty acids (HMUFA) a
nd the other was high in complex carbohydrates (high-CHO). There also
was a 4-week washout period in between the two 4-week periods during w
hich the patients followed the American Diabetes Association's isocalo
ric diet. Blood samples were obtained before and after each dietary pe
riod. RESULTS - Both diets had a minor hypocholesterolemic effect with
no major changes in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. The HMUFA d
iet was associated with a greater decrement in plasma triglycerides (2
0 vs. 7% in the high-CHO diet). Glycemic control was similar with both
diets. CONCLUSIONS - Partial replacement of complex digestible carboh
ydrates with monounsaturated fatty acids (avocado as one of its main s
ources) in the diet of patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes me
llitus improves the lipid profile favorably, mantains an adequate glyc
emic control, and offers a good management alternative.