This study by Rivellese et al. evaluated the adherence of a group of 540 patients with type 2 diabetes to dietary recommendations, as assessed using a 3-day dietary journal. Study results indicated that diet composition generally appeared to concord with the recommendations, except for saturated fat intake, which was much higher (with 43% of patients eating >10% of saturated fat), and for dietary fibre intake, which was much lower (12 and 13 g/1000 kcal, for men and women, respectively) than recommended (20 g/1000 kcal). Only 6% of patients approached the ideal intake of 20 g/1000 kcal, and 25% of them consumed the more acceptable and achievable 15 g/1000 kcal. In conclusion, the study indicated that dietary recommendations for the treatment of diabetes are not always followed (high intake of saturated fat and low intake of fibre). All strategies to ensure comprehensive implementation of dietary guidelines should therefore take these findings into account.
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