Adherence to the Mediterranean diet and its effects on the onset and progression of diabetic nephropathy: a systematic review.
Ioannis Sykaras, Maria Kantilafti, Stavri Chrysostomou
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review evaluated the relationship between adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) and the onset and progression of diabetic nephropathy (DN) in adults with diabetes. The review included six studies, with findings indicating that higher adherence to the MD was associated with a lower risk of DN, with reported associations ranging from 21% to 86%. However, the evidence is limited and does not establish causality.
Key findings
- Higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with a lower risk of diabetic nephropathy.
- Reported associations of risk reduction ranged from 21% to 86%, depending on adherence level.
- Two studies found no statistically significant associations with p > 0.05.
- The review included six studies, highlighting the need for further high-quality research.
Why it matters
Understanding the potential protective effects of the Mediterranean diet against diabetic nephropathy can inform dietary recommendations for individuals with diabetes, potentially improving renal outcomes and overall health.
What to keep in mind
The small number of studies and their predominantly observational design limit generalizability and causal inference.