Next Article in Journal
One-Carbon Metabolism in Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease Brain Tissue
Next Article in Special Issue
Impact of Mediterranean Diet Food Choices and Physical Activity on Serum Metabolic Profile in Healthy Adolescents: Findings from the DIMENU Project
Previous Article in Journal
Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis A6 Enhances Fatty Acid β-Oxidation of Adipose Tissue to Ameliorate the Development of Obesity in Mice
Previous Article in Special Issue
Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet among Children and Youth in the Mediterranean Region in Croatia: A Comparative Study
 
 
Font Type:
Arial Georgia Verdana
Font Size:
Aa Aa Aa
Line Spacing:
Column Width:
Background:
Article

Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet Is Associated with Better Metabolic Features in Youths with Type 1 Diabetes

1
SCDU of Pediatrics, Department of Health Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
2
Department of Health Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
3
Pediatric Endocrinology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Maggiore Della Carità, 28100 Novara, Italy
4
Endocrinology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Nutrients 2022, 14(3), 596; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14030596
Submission received: 7 January 2022 / Revised: 26 January 2022 / Accepted: 27 January 2022 / Published: 29 January 2022

Abstract

:
Our aim was to evaluate adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) among children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) in relation to metabolic control. Adherence to the MedDiet was assessed with the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index (KIDMED) questionnaire and physical activity by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescent (IPAQ-A) on 65 subjects (32 males, 9–18 years) with T1D. Clinical and metabolic evaluation was performed (standardized body mass index (BMI-SDS), hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c), continuous glucose monitoring metrics when present, blood pressure, lipid profile). Parental characteristics (age, body mass index (BMI), socio-economic status) were reported. The adherence to the MedDiet was poor in 12.3%, average in 58.6%, and high in 29.1% of the subjects. Furthermore, 23.4% of patients were overweight/obese. The most impacting factors on BMI-SDS were skipping breakfast and their father’s BMI. HbA1c and time in range % were positively associated with sweets and fish intake, respectively. Additionally, the father’s socio-economic status (SES) and mother’s age were associated with glucose control. Blood pressure was associated with travelling to school in vehicles, extra-virgin olive oil intake and milk/dairy consumption at breakfast. The promotion of the MedDiet, mainly having a healthy breakfast, is a good strategy to include in the management of T1D to improve glucose and metabolic control. This research is valuable for parents to obtain the best results for their children with T1D.

1. Introduction

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease that is rapidly increasing worldwide [1]. It is also one of the most common chronic diseases in childhood with an estimated prevalence of 1.1 million children and adolescents affected [2]. As well as insulin treatment, a crucial part of T1D patient therapy [3,4,5], another treatment is medical nutritional therapy (MNT). Its role is known in the management of type 2 diabetes, but it is also essential for T1D because of the need to adapt insulin therapy to nutrient intake, ensuring satisfactory glucose control [3,5,6]. Increased nutritional awareness of patients and their families is associated with better glucose control and the high quality of the diet in young people [7]. MNT assigned by a dietitian or a registered nutritionist is associated with a 1.0–1.9% decrease in Hba1c for people with T1D [8].
MNT includes recommendations for healthy eating patterns since patients with T1D are at high cardiovascular risk. The 2018 International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD) Guidelines recommend as proper nutrition habits for diabetes in children, a diet that allows for optimal growth, ideal weight maintenance and the prevention of acute and chronic complications of diabetes mellitus. The approximate energy intake and the essential nutrients should be distributed as follows: carbohydrates 45–55%, fats 30–35% and proteins 15–20% [5]. The bromatological composition is in line with that of the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet). In addition, there is evidence that low-carbohydrate diets can be nutritionally inadequate and may increase the risk of hypoglycemia [9]. Eating patterns like the MedDiet (based on wholegrain cereals, monounsaturated fats, plant-based food, reduced intake of red and processed meats) were suggested to be beneficial for long-term health, reducing cardiovascular risk [3,10]. The relationship between the MedDiet and diabetes mellitus has been widely studied, specifically related to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) in adults, documenting beneficial effects in patients in terms of glucose control and primary and secondary prevention [11,12]. Several observational and some interventional studies demonstrated beneficial effects of the MedDiet on glucose homeostasis in individuals with T2D or metabolic syndrome. In a cross-sectional study involving 901 patients with T2D, the largest degree of adherence to the MedDiet was associated with low levels of hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) and better post-prandial blood glucose control [13]. In addition to T2D, a multicenter observational study of 1076 pregnant women from ten Mediterranean countries, supported a reverse association between adherence to the MedDiet and the likelihood of gestational diabetes mellitus [14].
Data on nutritional habits in youths with T1D are scarce. Few studies have evaluated the effectiveness of the MedDiet in improving glucose control and the lipid profile. The main studies regarding T1D involved adult subjects. Observational data of the collaboration of European Childhood Diabetes Registers (EURODIAB) Prospective Complications Study examined the effects of saturated fatty acid (SFA) and dietary fibers on the onset of cardiovascular disease, showing an inverse correlation between fiber intake and cardiovascular risk in these patients [15]. Furthermore, the SEARCH Nutrition Ancillary Study confirmed that high adherence to the MedDiet was associated, overtime, with low levels of HbA1c and lipids in US youths [16]. These findings agree with an intervention study on a structured education about the MedDiet conducted in Italy by our group on adolescents with T1D [10]. The adherence to the MedDiet seemed more favorable than that to the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet since its impact was demonstrated only in a cross-sectional study [16,17].
In the context of the limited reported data, the purpose of this study was to assess the nutritional habits and physical activity in a group of multi-ethnic youths with T1D in North of Italy, surveyed in relation to their adherence to the MedDiet and metabolic parameters.

2. Subjects and Methods

2.1. Population and Clinical Parameters

The subjects were 65 consecutive youths aged between 9 and 18 years old recruited from outpatients attending the Division of Pediatrics of our Hospital between 2018 and 2021. The study was approved by the Ethical Committee of Novara (protocol number 143/17) and conformed to the guidelines of the European Convention of Human Rights and Biomedicine for Research in Children. Patients were diagnosed with T1D according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA) criteria [3]. We included multi-ethnic subjects with a T1D diagnosis between 2002 and 2020 and a time from the onset of at least six months. Any HbA1c levels, insulin treatment (continuous insulin or multiple daily injections) and body mass index (BMI) were considered. Inability to understand the Italian language or difficult engagement with the cultural mediator was the only exclusion criteria. Weight, height and blood pressure (BP) were measured by the medical staff. The BMI and BMI z-score were calculated. Weight was measured to the nearest 100 g by using an electronic scale, and height by a Harpenden stadiometer to the nearest mm. BMI was calculated as the ratio between weight (kg) and squared height (m2). Normal weight, overweight and obesity were classified according to the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) growth charts [18]. Blood pressure was evaluated as suggested by the National High Blood Pressure Educational Program (NHBPEP) Working Group of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) [19]. Socio-economic status (SES) was assessed on the educational level of both parents and the type of work, classified as low, medium and high SES.

2.2. Dietary and Physical Activity Assessment

Adherence to the MedDiet was evaluated using the validated Italian version of the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index (KIDMED) score (Supplementary Table S1), which is composed of 16 dichotomous (positive/negative) items on eating habits [20]. The test is divided into four questions with negative connotations (−1) and twelve questions evaluated with a positive score (+1). A total score was calculated, ranging from 4 to 12. The assessment of the test was interpreted according to the following classification: low adherence (total score ≤ 3), average adherence (total score between 4 and 7), high adherence (total score ≥ 8). Items and scores are reported in Supplementary Table S1. The Italian version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents (IPAQ-A) was used to assess the level of physical activity. It consists of four domains of physical activity reflecting on the activities of the previous seven days: school-related physical activity (including activities during physical education lessons and breaks), transport, housework and leisure physical activity [21]. The level of physical activity was measured by the Metabolic Equivalent of Task (MET). Both questionnaires were completed with a driven interview conducted by researchers who also collected anthropometric and social data of parents/caregivers.

2.3. Biochemical Evaluation and Glucose Monitoring Parameters

We collected biochemical data and glucose monitoring parameters of the routine clinical care. After overnight fasting, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein(LDL), triglycerides, total cholesterol, glucose and HbA1c levels were measured. Daily insulin demand was calculated as both total IU/day and per kg/day. In 31 patients, additional values from a continuous glucose monitoring device (CGM) were also available. Outcomes of CGM were extracted, including average blood glucose (mg/dL) and standard deviation (SD), time in range (TIR) of optimal target (70–180 mg/dL) and variability classified as low (<70 mg/dL) and very low (<54 mg/dL), high (>180 mg/dL) and very high (>250 mg/dL). We considered as glucose imbalance Hba1c more than 8.5% and TIR lower than 70%, two validated cut-offs that represented approximately one-third of each group [22].

2.4. Statistical Analysis

All analyses were performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, Version 26.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Descriptive characteristics were presented for each gender and full sample. After verification of the normal distribution of continuous variables through the Shapiro–Wilks test and PP plot (probability–probability plot), descriptive characteristics were shown as the mean + standard deviation, while qualitative variables were presented as frequencies or medians. The chi-squared test, the t-test for independent variables (means) and Mann–Whitney U-test (medians) were performed to study differences between genders and p-value was assessed for all tests. Correlation analysis followed the assumptions of Pearson r (parametric data) or Spearman’s ρ (non-parametric data) depending on the characteristics of the correlated variables. Statistically significant correlations were expressed as r/ρ and p-value < 0.05 or < 0.01. Regression analysis of quantitative continuous dependent variables was conducted for a restricted portion of studied variables by creating regression models through a stepwise linear regression method. Independent variables were chosen from statistically significant correlated variables and by excluding multicollinearity factors or contributing factors. The qualitative regression of ordinal data was performed through multinomial logistic analysis instead. Best fitting model/models were determined automatically from the software. The confidence interval (CI) was set at 95%.

3. Results

The clinical data of the enrolled patients are shown in Table 1. All the 65 recruited patients (age: 15.1 ± 2.3 years) completed the questionnaires. Most of the patients were normal weight (71.9%), with a prevalence of overweight and obesity of 15.6% and 7.8%, respectively. All patients were in insulin treatment by the time of the visit, with 69% using the basal-bolus treatment and the remaining 31% using subcutaneous infusion. Regarding the management of the disease, only 21.9% of subjects were able to maintain a TIR% over 70%, and HbA1c was >8.5% in 26.2% of subjects. Data were also analyzed according to gender (32 males, 33 females). Males were taller than females and had also lower weight z score and standardized body mass index (BMI SDS). Females were more overweight and obese than males nearly to significance. Metabolic characteristics were similar between genders.
The KIDMED average (median) score was lower than recommended in both genders, with an almost statistically significant difference between boys and girls (Δ = 1.15 pts, p = 0.082) (Table 1). KIDMED scores showed that (≥8) 29.1% of the subjects adhered to an optimal Mediterranean diet, (4–7) 58.5%of the subjects needed to improve, and (≤3) 12.3% of the whole sample exhibited a low-quality diet (Table 2). Concerning KIDMED items, frequencies and statistics for both genders are shown in Table 2. More than 80% of the subjects were eating at least one portion of vegetables each day, and more than 60% were eating at least two portions. Adequate fish and legume consumption was found in approximately 50% of the subjects. Males were more likely to eat at least one fruit/day (p < 0.01), ate less processed food at breakfast (p < 0.05) and more dairy foods daily (p < 0.05) compared to females.
Other characteristics of the sample, including the socio-economic aspects of families and the main physical activity items assessed through IPAQ-A, are presented in Table 3. The IPAQ-A additional items’ descriptive characteristics are shown in Supplementary Table S2. According to our data, mild physical activity was slightly more appreciated by the females, while vigorous physical activity was higher in males, even if the difference was not statistically significant (p = ns). Family count varied from two to six individuals with four individuals as the most frequent case (45.9%). The SES of the mother and father were not different, neither was the smoking habits of parents even if the fathers had twice the frequency of smoking (29.5%) compared to the mothers (14.8%).

3.1. Correlations and Regressions

3.1.1. Weight and BMI

The evaluation of significant correlations between organic/anthropometric parameters and non-biological/nutritional/physical activity habits has provided a lot of data which are summarized in Supplementary Tables S3–S5. The weight z-score was correlated with a higher family count (ρ = 0.321; p < 0.05), skipping breakfast (ρ = −0.407; p = 0.001) and with the weight and BMI of parents. BMI-SDS kept the same tendency but added a direct correlation with legume consumption (ρ = 0.262 < 0.05). Increased IOTF-BMI was also correlated with a reduced intake of nuts (ρ = −0.425; p < 0.001), cereals (ρ = −0.248, <0.05), dairy foods at breakfast (ρ = −0.306; p < 0.05) and lower 8 MET activities (−0.249; p < 0.05). Stepwise regression (Table 4) showed that, for the whole sample, the most impacting independent factor on BMI-SDS was skipping breakfast, followed by the father’s BMI. Considering the differences between genders, BMI-SDS was primarily associated with skipping breakfast and father’s weight in females, while in males the main predicting factor was the time spent in physical activity during school even if skipping breakfast, reduced nut consumption and a higher family count (p < 0.05) were found to be correlated with increased BMI-SDS in males. IOTF-BMI class was primarily associated with nut consumption and 8 MET above all other effects.

3.1.2. Glucose Control

Mean blood glucose was correlated with a lower age of the mother (r = −0.480; p < 0.01), the SES of father (ρ = −0.516; p < 0.01), fish consumption (ρ = −0.269; p < 0.05) and cereal consumption at breakfast (ρ = −0.418; p < 0.05). No aspects of physical activity were found to influence mean glucose. Beyond the correlations found for fasting blood glucose, HbA1c was also correlated with a higher consumption of sweets (ρ = −0.347; p < 0.01) and less days and time spent on a bike (ρ = −0.266 and ρ = −0.276 respectively; p < 0.05).TIR%, which was highly and inversely correlated with HbA1c (ρ = −0.881; p < 0.001), as expected, kept almost the same significant correlations of the latter: higher fish consumption (ρ = 0.390; p < 0.05) and cereals at breakfast (ρ = 0.427; p < 0.05), higher age of the mother (r = 0.401; p < 0.05), and the SES of the father (ρ = 0.471; p < 0.01).Stepwise regression (Table 5) conducted on these three main indicators of glucose control revealed that mean blood glucose was primarily predicted by the age of the mother and the SES of the father, while HbA1c was mainly associated with the SES of the father and the consumption of sweets. TIR% was instead even more associated with fish consumption, and its relationship with the SES of the father was revealed to be multiplicatively and independently associated with TIR% as the first model of regression. The KIDMED score was found only inversely correlated with the risk of hyperglycemia (ρ = 0.387; p < 0.05).

3.1.3. Blood Pressure and Others

Blood pressure was found to be mainly linked with breakfast habits. Diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was correlated with less cereal consumption in the morning (ρ = −0.264; p < 0.05) and the consequently higher processed products consumed at breakfast (ρ = 0.260; p < 0.05). In addition, DPB was inversely correlated with extra-virgin olive oil intake (ρ = −0.296; p < 0.05). Systolic blood pressure (SPB) correlated with less milk/dairy foods at breakfast instead (ρ = −0.291; p < 0.05) and almost significantly with extra virgin olive oil consumption (p < 0.057). Physical activity items were found to be partially correlated with blood pressure, in particular traveling by car or public transport was correlated with both DBP (ρ = 0.338; p < 0.01) and SBP (ρ = 0.301; p < 0.01). Subsequent stepwise regression analysis (Table 6) confirmed that DBP was firstly associated with motorized travels for reaching school, followed by the other factors, while SPB was mainly predicted by olive oil and milk/dairy consumption at breakfast. Correlation analysis also showed that blood lipids were not linked to any of the nutritional and physical activity items (p = ns).

4. Discussion

MNT is a crucial element to improve glucose control and reduce cardiovascular risk in T1D in youths. Among dietary patterns, increasing evidence supports the MedDiet, mainly in adults with T2D [23], due its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties; however, results in the pediatric age should be implemented. This is one of the few studies that has aimed to describe the relationship among the components of the MedDiet and global metabolic control in children and adolescents with T1D.

4.1. Dietary Factors Associated with the Risk of Obesity

We observed that the prevalence of youths with T1D being overweight and obese is similar to the healthy pediatric population living in Italy [24,25,26] who also follow as an average adherence to the MedDiet [27,28]. Similar findings on the weight status of children with T1D have been reported in other ethnic groups or countries corroborating the general global trend [29,30,31,32,33,34]. Furthermore, females in our cohort were more at risk similar to other reports [32,33,35]. In all these studies, several factors have been associated with this risk of overweight/obesity in T1D as increased functional growth hormone (GH) secretion, longer disease duration, intensive insulin therapy in relation to pubertal insulin-resistance or flexible eating patterns, high insulin doses that could inhibit protein catabolism and slow basal metabolism or frequent snacking to avoid hypoglycemia [36,37]. However, only a few authors focused on dietary risk factors and even fewer on the MedDiet. Two US studies conducted using 287 pediatric subjects aged between 8 and 21 years old showed that the obesity risk was related to a frequent intake of unhealthy foods poor in fibers and micronutrients [38,39]. Interestingly, we observed that increased weight is associated with breakfast skipping habits, confirmed by the general pediatric population, as recently reviewed by our group in both cross-sectional and intervention trials [40,41]. The effect of skipping the first morning meal, despite being made up by similar calories in the day, is complex and partially unexplained, although several mechanisms have been hypothesized, such as circadian misalignment, the length of the night fasting and other unhealthy food habits. However, the confirmation in children and adolescents with T1D suggests that the alteration of the chronotype is a key feature of obesity development in any condition. Furthermore, we observed that the intake of dairy products at breakfast was also negatively associated with the risk of being overweight and obese. With the urbanization of people living in the Mediterranean area, youth are deviating to a Western diet rich in saturated fat, simple carbohydrates and refined and processed foods. One of the typical phenomena of this nutrition transition is the choice of sugar-sweetened beverages at breakfast instead of dairy products [42]. Other studies have recently reported this association in children with obesity [43,44,45,46,47]. Behind the excess of simple sugars instead of foods rich in nutrients, several other mechanisms have been reported, such as derangements in the calcium homeostasis, insulin secretion, satiety and satiation and gut-microbiota when the intake of dairy products is low [45,48,49]. In our cohort a low intake of nuts and cereals was associated with an increased risk of being overweight and obese. Two studies on adults with T1D, the Finnish Diabetic Nephropathy (FinnDiane) Study of 1058 individuals [50] and the EURODIAB Complications Study of 2868 individuals [51], confirmed our pediatric results on nuts and cereals, respectively. These findings could hide a high consumption of unhealthy processed foods rich in saturated and trans fats, and sugars instead of nuts and cereals. Although nuts are dense-energy foods, they are rich in micronutrients and bio-active compounds. Growing evidence suggests their role in protecting from obesity or helping in weight loss [52,53,54] due to several mechanisms including prolonged chewing, delayed gastric emptying because of fibers and unsaturated fats, increased satiety and booster actions on lipid oxidation and thermogenesis [55].

4.2. Dietary Factors Associated with the Glucose Control

Although a better KIDMED score only reduced the risk of hyperglycemia differently from a modified version that correlated with HbA1c [16], low mean glucose levels, HbA1c and high TIR% were all associated with determinants of the KIDMED score, such as a high consumption of fish, cereals at breakfast, and a low consumption of sweets and candies. As previously discussed for weight, foods rich in nutrients and maintenance of breakfast habits are confirmed as being correlated with better glucose control, diversely from foods rich in saturated fats and sugars. Another study previously discussed on weight, observed that poor diabetic control was associated with unhealthy foods [39], as well as another one in Brazilian children with ultra-processed foods, a category that also comprises sweets and candies [56]. Although fasting glucose levels, HbA1c and TIR% were all correlated and associated with the same factors, interestingly, the main dietary determinants in the regression models were different. A high HbA1c was mostly related to a high intake of sweets which are rich in sugars. This is consistent with previous data on the fact that apart from total carbohydrate daily content, source of carbohydrate intake, and, therefore, glycemic load/index, is associated with HbA1c levels [57,58,59,60]. Furthermore, we observed that a high TIR was associated with a high intake of fish. No similar results have been published yet, whereas a better TIR has been recently associated with a carbohydrate intake range from 40–44% [61], or fish intake with a lower risk of microalbuminuria [62]. Fish is rich in macronutrients and micronutrients which are implicated with better metabolic control as well as low insulin resistance [63]. However, the human diet is complex, and different nutrients could have a synergistic effect. Because concluding data on the specific role of omega 3, vitamin D, unsaturated fats and proteins alone are still not conclusive concerning glucose control, and even less on TIR [64,65,66], further studies or post-hoc analysis from registries on T1D are needed.

4.3. Dietary Factors Associated with Blood Pressure

In line with findings on glucose controls, blood pressure was associated with breakfast habits. The high consumption of cereals and milk/dairy foods, and low consumption of processed products at breakfast were associated with better DBP and SBP levels.All these components of breakfast mirror healthy habits balanced in nutrients and are typical not only of the MedDiet but also of the DASH diet [67,68]. Adherence to it has been demonstrated to reduce the risk of hypertension in the SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth Study [69]. The effect on blood pressure dueto the consumption of processed foods is likely due to several factors, but surely one of the most important factors is the contribution of increasedsaltintake [70]. Regarding milk products, the relatively high potassium content of milk and dairy products implies that increased intake of them may reduce blood pressure, as also observed with studies on the DASH diet or lacto-ovo vegetarian diet [49,67]. This seems more pronounced when dairy products are consumed instead of juice or sugar-sweetened beverages [49,71,72]. No reports are present for T1D, distinct from T2D or metabolic syndrome [67,73], and our data strengthen the evidence in other diseases.
Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) reduces cardiovascular risk in adults as demonstrated by numerous studies, including the Nurses’ Health Study II, the Health Professional’s Follow-up Study and the Prevention with Mediterranean Diet (PREDIMED) Study [74]. Furthermore, both experimental and human observational and intervention studies demonstrated EVOO has anti-hypertensive actions due to its chemical composition, mainly characterized by oleic acid, polyphenols and other antioxidant compounds [75]. Our data on EVOO and DBP are in line with a recent intervention trial in adults with T1D in which EVOO improved vascular function [76].

4.4. Family, Social Factors and Physical Activity

Interestingly, we observed that BMI-SDS and glucose control were associated directly with the BMI of the father, the latter indirectly with the SES of the father and the mother’s age. It is well known that weight in offspring is partly inherited by parents but also due to the family setting, in particular the SES. All of these are markers of a complex interplay among genetics and environment that have the most significant impact on children younger than ten years old. However, data on the role of paternal BMI and mothers’ age is scarce due to the lack of studies for these factors [77,78,79]. Indeed, our findings strengthen some data in these subjects with regards to T1D. Regarding the role of the family on offspring concerning glucose control, while SES is associated with clear evidence, parental characteristics need further study because the role they play is inconclusive [80]. However, regarding the mother’s crucial involvement in T1D management [80], we can speculate that maternal age could result in different maternal parenting styles and coping abilities [81,82]. We observed some associations among physical activity determinants and weight and diastolic blood pressure. Most of the results are related to sedentary behaviors, such as going to school by car, which likely reflects a generally reduced physical activity that could be underreported. Our results strengthen the importance of empowerment to improve physical activity in youths with T1D to reduce cardiovascular risk [5,83].

4.5. Study Limitations and Strengths

This study has some limitations. First, it was a cross-sectional study design, and we could not establish causal relationships between MedDiet adherence and health outcomes. Second, we used the KIDMED score without integrating it with a food frequency questionnaire. However, periodically, our patients carried out a dietary survey by dieticians for the improvement of carbohydrate counting, indeed, they were educated about the assessment of diet quality. Furthermore, the KIDMED score is the most used index of adherence in the pediatric literature and by using it in the past we have obtained interesting results, and it has been validated through use on the general population [27,28]. Indeed, we cannot exclude further nutrients from being players behind the food habits we reported in T1D.Unexpectedly, we failed to show any correlation with fruit or vegetable intake. This could result from high consumption of fruits and vegetables in our cohort, likely due to the dietary counseling for T1D. Furthermore, physical activity had minimal impact on the features we analyzed. Although the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was validated on children and adolescents [21], movement activities linked to free play among peers could be underreported. In general, we demonstrated that good adherence to the MedDiet, in particular to some food habits, was associated with a better metabolic status in youth with T1D.

5. Conclusions

Dietary risk factors, typical of low adherence to the MedDiet, were associated with a high risk of obesity in T1D, which were the same as the general pediatric and adult population. This suggests that youths with T1D are not protected from increased weight whether they continuously adhere to healthy food patterns or not. The habit of having breakfast with foods rich in nutrients, including dairy products, is one of the most important dietary features we found associated with good glucose and metabolic control. The promotion of breakfast, as well as discouraging the excessive intake of ultra-processed foods, are confirmed key determinants in the prevention of negative health effects of nutrition transition in youth with T1D. Even if the cardiovascular protective role of EVOO is reaching amassing evidence in children, more attention and further research are needed to understand the role of fish consumption in glucose regulation. The promotion of the MedDiet is a good strategy to include in the management of youth with T1D, and all parents should be aware of this to obtain the best results for their children in the management of the disease.

Supplementary Materials

The following are available online at https://www.mdpi.com/article/10.3390/nu14030596/s1, Table S1: KIDMED items, Table S2: Descriptive characteristics of specific IPAQ-A (Italian version) items in the sample, Table S3: Correlations between clinical characteristics and KIDMED items, Table S4: Correlations between clinical characteristics and IPAQ-A items, Table S5: Correlations between clinical characteristics of children and mother and father data.

Author Contributions

Conceptualization, F.P. and S.B.; Methodology, V.A., D.S., R.R., D.C., F.P. and F.P.G.C.; Software, D.S.; Validation, R.R. and M.C.; Formal Analysis, V.A., D.S. and F.P.; Investigation, V.A., R.R., E.P., D.C. and S.S.; Data Curation, M.C.; Writing Original Draft Preparation, V.A., D.S. and F.P.; Writing Review and Editing, S.B. and I.R.; Supervision, S.B., I.R. and F.P.; Funding Acquisition, F.P. All authors discussed the results and contributed to the final manuscript. All authors affirm that the present work is original, has not been published previously and has not been submitted elsewhere for consideration of print or electronic publication. Each person listed as an author participated in the work in a substantive manner, in accordance with ICMJE authorship guidelines, and is prepared to take public responsibility for it. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding

This research was partially supported by: Ministry of Education, Universities, and Research: Grant PRIN (2020NCKXBR_004); Ministry of Education, Universities, and Research, Department of Excellence grant (FOHN project, KETOMI project).

Institutional Review Board Statement

The study was conducted according to the guidelines of the Declaration of Helsinki, approved by the Ethical Committee of Novara (protocol number 143/17) and conformed to the guidelines of the European Convention of Human Rights and Biomedicine for Research in Children.

Informed Consent Statement

Informed consent was obtained from all subjects involved in the study.

Data Availability Statement

The data presented in this study are contained within the article and the Supplementary Materials.

Acknowledgments

The authors thank all the children and their parents.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

References

  1. Dabelea, D. The accelerating epidemic of childhood diabetes. Lancet 2009, 373, 1999–2000. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  2. IDF Diabetes Atlas. Available online: https://www.idf.org/e-library/epidemiology-research/diabetes-atlas/159-idf-diabetes-atlas-ninth-edition-2019.html (accessed on 17 December 2021).
  3. American Diabetes Association. Standards of medical care in diabetes, 2021. Diabetes Care 2020, 44 (Suppl. 1), S1–S2. [Google Scholar]
  4. Società Italiana di Diabetologia (SID). Standard Italiani per la Cura del Diabete Mellito. Available online: https://www.siditalia.it/pdf/StandarddiCuraAMD-SID2018_protetto2.pdf (accessed on 14 December 2021).
  5. Smart, C.E.; Annan, F.; Higgins, L.A.; Jelleryd, E.; Lopez, M.; Acerini, C.L. ISPAD Clinical Practice Consensus Guidelines 2018: Nutritional management in children and adolescents with diabetes. Pediatr. Diabetes 2018, 19, 136–154. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  6. Mehta, S.N.; Volkening, L.K.; Anderson, B.J.; Nansel, T.; Weissberg-Benchell, J.; Wysocki, T.; Laffel, L.M.B.; Steering Committee for the Family Management of Childhood Diabetes Study. Dietary Behaviors Predict Glycemic Control in Youth With Type 1 Diabetes. Diabetes Care 2008, 31, 1318–1320. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed] [Green Version]
  7. Rovner, A.J.; Nansel, T.R.; Mehta, S.N.; Higgins, L.A.; Haynie, L.D.; Laffel, L.M. Development and Validation of the Type 1 Diabetes Nutrition Knowledge Survey. Diabetes Care 2012, 35, 1643–1647. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed] [Green Version]
  8. Franz, M.J.; MacLeod, J.; Evert, A.; Brown, C.; Gradwell, E.; Handu, D.; Reppert, A.; Robinson, M. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Nutrition Practice Guideline for Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes in Adults: Systematic Review of Evidence for Medical Nutrition Therapy Effectiveness and Recommendations for Integration into the Nutrition Care Process. J. Acad. Nutr. Diet. 2017, 117, 1659–1679. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  9. Ranjan, A.; Schmidt, S.; Damm-Frydenberg, C.; Steineck, I.; Clausen, T.R.; Holst, J.J.; Madsbad, S.; Nørgaard, K. Low-Carbohydrate Diet Impairs the Effect of Glucagon in the Treatment of Insulin-Induced Mild Hypoglycemia: A Randomized Crossover Study. Diabetes Care 2017, 40, 132–135. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
  10. Cadario, F.; Prodam, F.; Pasqualicchio, S.; Bellone, S.; Bonsignori, I.; Demarchi, I.; Monzani, A.; Bona, G. Lipid profile and nutritional intake in children and adolescents with Type 1 diabetes improve after a structured dietician training to a Mediterranean-style diet. J. Endocrinol. Investig. 2012, 35, 160–168. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  11. Toobert, D.J.; Glasgow, R.E.; Strycker, L.A.; Barrera, M.; Radcliffe, J.L.; Wander, R.C.; Bagdade, J.D. Biologic and quality-of-life outcomes from the Mediterranean Lifestyle Program: A randomized clinical trial. Diabetes Care 2003, 26, 2288–2293. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
  12. Huo, R.; Du, T.; Xu, Y.; Xu, W.; Chen, X.; Sun, K.; Yu, X. Effects of Mediterranean-style diet on glycemic control, weight loss and cardiovascular risk factors among type 2 diabetes individuals: A meta-analysis. Eur. J. Clin. Nutr. 2015, 69, 1200–1208. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  13. Esposito, K.; Maiorino, M.I.; Di Palo, C.; Giugliano, D.; Group for the Campanian Postprandial Hyperglycemia Study. Adherence to a Mediterranean diet and glycaemic control in Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Diabet. Med. 2009, 26, 900–907. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  14. Karamanos, B.; Thanopoulou, A.; Anastasiou, E.; Assaad-Khalil, S.; Albache, N.; Bachaoui, M.; Slama, C.B.; El Ghomari, H.; Jotic, A.; Lalic, N.; et al. Relation of the Mediterranean diet with the incidence of gestational diabetes. Eur. J. Clin. Nutr. 2014, 68, 8–13. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed] [Green Version]
  15. Schoenaker, D.A.J.M.; Toeller, M.; Chaturvedi, N.; Fuller, J.H.; Soedamah-Muthu, S.S.; EURODIAB Prospective Complications Study Group. Dietary saturated fat and fibre and risk of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality among type 1 diabetic patients: The EURODIAB Prospective Complications Study. Diabetologia 2012, 55, 2132–2141. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed] [Green Version]
  16. Zhong, V.W.; Lamichhane, A.P.; Crandell, J.L.; Couch, S.C.; Liese, A.D.; The, N.S.; Tzeel, B.A.; Dabelea, D.; Lawrence, J.M.; Marcovina, S.M.; et al. Association of adherence to a Mediterranean diet with glycemic control and cardiovascular risk factors in youth with type I diabetes: The SEARCH Nutrition Ancillary Study. Eur. J. Clin. Nutr. 2016, 70, 802–807. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed] [Green Version]
  17. Barnes, T.L.; Crandell, J.L.; Bell, R.A.; Mayer-Davis, E.J.; Dabelea, D.; Liese, A.D. Study Group for the SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth. Change in DASH diet score and cardiovascular risk factors in youth with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus: The SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth Study. Nutr. Diabetes 2013, 3, e91. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed] [Green Version]
  18. Cole, T.J.; Lobstein, T. Extended international (IOTF) body mass index cut-offs for thinness, overweight and obesity. Pediatr. Obes. 2012, 7, 284–294. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  19. Flynn, J.T.; Kaelber, D.C.; Baker-Smith, C.M.; Blowey, D.; Carroll, A.E.; Daniels, S.R.; de Ferranti, S.D.; Dionne, J.M.; Falkner, B.; Flinn, S.K.; et al. Clinical Practice Guideline for Screening and Management of High Blood Pressure in Children and Adolescents. Pediatrics 2017, 140, e20171904. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed] [Green Version]
  20. Serra-Majem, L.; Ribas, L.; Ngo, J.; Ortega, R.M.; García, A.; Pérez-Rodrigo, C.; Aranceta, J. Food, youth and the Mediterranean diet in Spain. Development of KIDMED, Mediterranean Diet Quality Index in children and adolescents. Public Health Nutr. 2004, 7, 931–935. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  21. Hagströmer, M.; Bergman, P.; De Bourdeaudhuij, I.; Ortega, F.B.; Ruiz, J.R.; Manios, Y.; Rey-López, J.P.; Phillipp, K.; von Berlepsch, J.; Sjöström, M.; et al. Concurrent validity of a modified version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-A) in European adolescents: The HELENA Study. Int. J. Obes. 2008, 32, S42–S48. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
  22. Battelino, T.; Danne, T.; Bergenstal, R.M.; Amiel, S.A.; Beck, R.; Biester, T.; Bosi, E.; Buckingham, B.A.; Cefalu, W.T.; Close, K.L.; et al. Clinical Targets for Continuous Glucose Monitoring Data Interpretation: Recommendations From the International Consensus on Time in Range. Diabetes Care 2019, 42, 1593–1603. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
  23. Esposito, K.; Maiorino, M.I.; Bellastella, G.; Chiodini, P.; Panagiotakos, D.; Giugliano, D. A journey into a Mediterranean diet and type 2 diabetes: A systematic review with meta-analyses. BMJ Open 2015, 5, e008222. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed] [Green Version]
  24. Nadrone, P.; Spinelli, A.; Buoncristiano, M.; Lauria, L.; Pierannunzio, D.; Galeone, D. Centro Nazionale per la Prevenzione delle Malattie e la Promozione della Salute. Okkio alla Salute: I Dati Nazionali 2016. Available online: https://www.epicentro.iss.it/okkioallasalute/Dati2016 (accessed on 30 July 2018).
  25. Spinelli, A.; Nardone, P. Centro Nazionale per la Prevenzione delle Malattie e la Promozione della Salute. Okkio alla Salute: I Risultati dell’Indagine 2019 in Liguria. Available online: https://www.epicentro.iss.it/okkioallasalute/indagine-2019-report-liguria (accessed on 30 July 2018).
  26. Roser, M.; Ritchie, H. Burden of Disease. 2016. Available online: https://ourworldindata.org/burden-of-disease (accessed on 12 December 2021).
  27. Iaccarino Idelson, P.; Scalfi, L.; Valerio, G. Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet in children and adolescents: A systematic review. Nutr. Metab. Cardiovasc. Dis. 2017, 27, 283–299. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  28. Archero, F.; Ricotti, R.; Solito, A.; Carrera, D.; Civello, F.; Di Bella, R.; Bellone, S.; Prodam, F. Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet among School Children and Adolescents Living in Northern Italy and Unhealthy Food Behaviors Associated to Overweight. Nutrients 2018, 10, 1322. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
  29. Oza, C.; Khadilkar, V.; Karguppikar, M.; Ladkat, D.; Gondhalekar, K.; Shah, N.; Khadilkar, A. Prevalence of metabolic syndrome and predictors of metabolic risk in Indian children, adolescents and youth with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Endocrine 2021, 5. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  30. Kilpatrick, E.S.; Rigby, A.S.; Atkin, S.L. Insulin resistance, the metabolic syndrome, and complication risk in type 1 diabetes: “double diabetes” in the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial. Diabetes Care 2007, 30, 707–712. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
  31. Reinehr, T.; Holl, R.W.; Roth, C.L.; Wiesel, T.; Stachow, R.; Wabitsch, M.; Andler, W.; DPV-Wiss Study Group. Insulin resistance in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus: Relation to obesity. Pediatr. Diabetes 2005, 6, 5–12. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  32. Fröhlich-Reiterer, E.E.; Rosenbauer, J.; Bechtold-Dalla Pozza, S.; Hofer, S.E.; Schober, E.; Holl, R.W.; DPV-Wiss Study Group; German BMBF Competence Networks Diabetes Mellitus and Obesity. Predictors of increasing BMI during the course of diabetes in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes: Data from the German/Austrian DPV multicentre survey. Arch. Dis. Child. 2014, 99, 738–743. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
  33. da Costa, V.M.; de Carvalho Padilha, P.; de Lima, G.C.; Ferreira, A.A.; Luescher, J.L.; Porto, L.; Peres, W.A. Overweight among children and adolescent with type I diabetes mellitus: Prevalence and associated factors. Diabetol. Metab. Syndr. 2016, 8, 39. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
  34. Mochizuki, M.; Ito, Y.; Yokomichi, H.; Kikuchi, T.; Soneda, S.; Musha, I.; Anzou, M.; Kobayashi, K.; Matsuo, K.; Sugihara, S.; et al. Increasing secular trends in height and obesity in children with type 1 diabetes: JSGIT cohort. PLoS ONE 2020, 15, e0242259. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  35. Gilbertson, H.R.; Reed, K.; Clark, S.; Francis, K.L.; Cameron, F.J. An audit of the dietary intake of Australian children with type 1 diabetes. Nutr. Diabetes 2018, 8, 10. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
  36. Van der Schueren, B.; Ellis, D.; Faradji, R.N.; Al-Ozairi, E.; Rosen, J.; Mathieu, C. Obesity in people living with type 1 diabetes. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2021, 9, 776–785. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  37. March, C.A.; Becker, D.J.; Libman, I.M. Nutrition and Obesity in the Pathogenesis of Youth-Onset Type 1 Diabetes and Its Complications. Front. Endocrinol. 2021, 12, 622901. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  38. Mehta, S.N.; Haynie, D.L.; Higgins, L.A.; Bucey, N.N.; Rovner, A.J.; Volkening, L.K.; Nansel, T.R.; Laffel, L.M. Emphasis on carbohydrates may negatively influence dietary patterns in youth with type 1 diabetes. Diabetes Care 2009, 32, 2174–2176. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed] [Green Version]
  39. Nansel, T.R.; Haynie, D.L.; Lipsky, L.M.; Laffel, L.M.; Mehta, S.N. Multiple indicators of poor diet quality in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes are associated with higher body mass index percentile but not glycemic control. J. Acad. Nutr. Diet. 2012, 112, 1728–1735. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed] [Green Version]
  40. Monzani, A.; Ricotti, R.; Caputo, M.; Solito, A.; Archero, F.; Bellone, S.; Prodam, F. A Systematic Review of the Association of Skipping Breakfast with Weight and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Children and Adolescents. What Should We Better Investigate in the Future? Nutrients 2019, 11, 387. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed] [Green Version]
  41. Ricotti, R.; Caputo, M.; Monzani, A.; Pigni, S.; Antoniotti, V.; Bellone, S.; Prodam, F. Breakfast Skipping, Weight, Cardiometabolic Risk, and Nutrition Quality in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled and Intervention Longitudinal Trials. Nutrients 2021, 13, 3331. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  42. Ricotti, R.; Caputo, M.; Prodam, F. Chapter 9. In The Mediterranean Diet, An Evidence-Based Approach, 2nd ed.; Preedy, V.R., Watson, R.R., Eds.; Elsevier: London, UK, 2020; pp. 89–93. ISBN 978-0-12-818649-7. [Google Scholar]
  43. Jacob, R.; Bertrand, C.; Llewellyn, C.; Couture, C.; Labonté, M.È.; Tremblay, A.; Bouchard, C.; Drapeau, V.; Pérusse, L. Dietary Mediators of the Genetic Susceptibility to Obesity—Results from the Quebec Family Study. J. Nutr. 2021, 152, 49–58. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  44. Calleja, M.; Caetano Feitoza, N.; Falk, B.; Klentrou, P.; Ward, W.E.; Sullivan, P.J.; Josse, A.R. Increased dairy product consumption as part of a diet and exercise weight management program improves body composition in adolescent females with overweight and obesity—A randomized controlled trial. Pediatr. Obes. 2020, 15, e12690. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  45. Dougkas, A.; Barr, S.; Reddy, S.; Summerbell, C.D. A critical review of the role of milk and other dairy products in the development of obesity in children and adolescents. Nutr. Res. Rev. 2019, 32, 106–127. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
  46. Wang, W.; Wu, Y.; Zhang, D. Association of dairy products consumption with risk of obesity in children and adults: A meta-analysis of mainly cross-sectional studies. Ann. Epidemiol. 2016, 26, 870–882.e2. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  47. Lu, L.; Xun, P.; Wan, Y.; He, K.; Cai, W. Long-term association between dairy consumption and risk of childhood obesity: A systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies. Eur. J. Clin. Nutr. 2016, 70, 414–423. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  48. Ağagündüz, D.; Yılmaz, B.; Şahin, T.Ö.; Güneşliol, B.E.; Ayten, Ş.; Russo, P.; Spano, G.; Rocha, J.M.; Bartkiene, E.; Özogul, F. Dairy Lactic Acid Bacteria and Their Potential Function in Dietetics: The Food-Gut-Health Axis. Foods 2021, 10, 3099. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  49. Willett, W.C.; Ludwig, D.S. Milk and Health. N. Engl. J. Med. 2020, 382, 644–654. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  50. Ahola, A.J.; Forsblom, C.M.; Harjutsalo, V.; Groop, P.H. Nut Consumption Is Associated with Lower Risk of Metabolic Syndrome and Its Components in Type 1 Diabetes. Nutrients 2021, 13, 3909. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  51. Toeller, M.; Buyken, A.E.; Heitkamp, G.; Cathelineau, G.; Ferriss, B.; Michel, G.; EURODIAB IDDM Complications Study Group. Nutrient intakes as predictors of body weight in European people with type 1 diabetes. Int. J. Obes. Relat. Metab. Disord. 2001, 25, 1815–1822. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed] [Green Version]
  52. Fernández-Rodríguez, R.; Mesas, A.E.; Garrido-Miguel, M.; Martínez-Ortega, I.A.; Jiménez-López, E.; Martínez-Vizcaíno, V. The Relationship of Tree Nuts and Peanuts with Adiposity Parameters: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis. Nutrients 2021, 13, 2251. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  53. Guarneiri, L.L.; Cooper, J.A. Intake of Nuts or Nut Products Does Not Lead to Weight Gain, Independent of Dietary Substitution Instructions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials. Adv. Nutr. Int. Rev. J. 2021, 12, 384–401. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  54. Liu, X.; Li, Y.; Guasch-Ferré, M.; Willett, W.C.; Drouin-Chartier, J.P.; Bhupathiraju, S.N.; Tobias, D.K. Changes in nut consumption influence long-term weight change in US men and women. BMJ Nutr. Prev. Health 2019, 2, 90–99. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
  55. Ros, E.; Singh, A.; O’Keefe, J.H. Nuts: Natural Pleiotropic Nutraceuticals. Nutrients 2021, 13, 3269. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  56. Fortins, R.F.; Lacerda, E.M.A.; Silverio, R.N.C.; do Carmo, C.N.; Ferreira, A.A.; Felizardo, C.; do Nascimento, B.F.; Luescher, J.L.; Padilha, P.C. Predictor factors of glycemic control in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus treated at a referral service in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Diabetes Res. Clin. Pract. 2019, 154, 138–145. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  57. Wolever, T.M.; Hamad, S.; Chiasson, J.L.; Josse, R.G.; Leiter, L.A.; Rodger, N.W.; Ross, S.A.; Ryan, E.A. Day-to-day consistency in amount and source of carbohydrate intake associated with improved blood glucose control in type 1 diabetes. J. Am. Coll. Nutr. 1999, 18, 242–247. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  58. Jebraeili, H.; Shabbidar, S.; Sajjadpour, Z.; Aghdam, S.D.; Qorbani, M.; Rajab, A.; Sotoudeh, G. The association between carbohydrate quality index and anthropometry, blood glucose, lipid profile and blood pressure in people with type 1 diabetes mellitus: A cross-sectional study in Iran. J. Diabetes Metab. Disord. 2021, 20, 1349–1358. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  59. Chiavaroli, L.; Lee, D.; Ahmed, A.; Cheung, A.; Khan, T.A.; Blanco, S.; Mejia, S.B.; Mirrahimi, A.; Jenkins, D.J.A.; Livesey, G.; et al. Effect of low glycaemic index or load dietary patterns on glycaemic control and cardiometabolic risk factors in diabetes: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. BMJ 2021, 374, 1651. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  60. Jacobsen, S.S.; Vistisen, D.; Vilsbøll, T.; Bruun, J.M.; Ewers, B. The quality of dietary carbohydrate and fat is associated with better metabolic control in persons with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Nutr. J. 2020, 19, 125. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  61. Cherubini, V.; Marino, M.; Marigliano, M.; Maffeis, C.; Zanfardino, A.; Rabbone, I.; Giorda, S.; Schiaffini, R.; Lorubbio, A.; Rollato, S.; et al. Rethinking Carbohydrate Intake and Time in Range in Children and Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes. Nutrients 2021, 13, 3869. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  62. Möllsten, A.V.; Dahlquist, G.G.; Stattin, E.L.; Rudberg, S. Higher intakes of fish protein are related to a lower risk of microalbuminuria in young Swedish type 1 diabetic patients. Diabetes Care 2001, 24, 805–810. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
  63. Mendivil, C.O. Fish Consumption: A Review of Its Effects on Metabolic and Hormonal Health. Nutr. Metab. Insights 2021, 14, 1–6. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  64. Paterson, M.A.; King, B.R.; Smart, C.E.M.; Smith, T.; Rafferty, J.; Lopez, P.E. Impact of dietary protein on postprandial glycaemic control and insulin requirements in Type 1 diabetes: A systematic review. Diabet. Med. 2019, 36, 1585–1599. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  65. Furthner, D.; Lukas, A.; Schneider, A.M.; Mörwald, K.; Maruszczak, K.; Gombos, P.; Gomahr, J.; Steigleder-Schweiger, C.; Weghuber, D.; Pixner, T. The Role of Protein and Fat Intake on Insulin Therapy in Glycaemic Control of Paediatric Type 1 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Research Gaps. Nutrients 2021, 13, 3558. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  66. Purdel, C.; Ungurianu, A.; Margina, D. Metabolic and Metabolomic Insights Regarding the Omega-3 PUFAs Intake in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. Front. Mol. Biosci. 2021, 8, 783065. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  67. Cicero, A.F.G.; Veronesi, M.; Fogacci, F. Dietary Intervention to Improve Blood Pressure Control: Beyond Salt Restriction. High Blood Press. Cardiovasc. Prev. 2021, 28, 547–553. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  68. De Pergola, G.; D’Alessandro, A. Influence of Mediterranean Diet on Blood Pressure. Nutrients 2018, 10, 1700. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed] [Green Version]
  69. Günther, A.L.; Liese, A.D.; Bell, R.A.; Dabelea, D.; Lawrence, J.M.; Rodriguez, B.L.; Standiford, D.A.; Mayer-Davis, E.J. Association between the dietary approaches to hypertension diet and hypertension in youth with diabetes mellitus. Hypertension 2009, 53, 6–12. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed] [Green Version]
  70. Lalji, R.; Tullus, K. What’s new in paediatric hypertension? Arch. Dis. Child. 2018, 103, 96–100. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  71. Cohen, L.; Curhan, G.; Forman, J. Association of Sweetened Beverage Intake with Incident Hypertension. J. Gen. Intern. Med. 2012, 27, 1127–1134. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  72. Appel, L.J.; Sacks, F.M.; Carey, V.J.; Obarzanek, E.; Swain, J.F.; Miller, E.R., III; Conlin, P.R.; Erlinger, T.P.; Rosner, B.A.; Laranjo, N.M.; et al. OmniHeart Collaborative Research Group. Effects of protein, monounsaturated fat, and carbohydrate intake on blood pressure and serum lipids: Results of the OmniHeart randomized trial. JAMA 2005, 294, 2455–2464. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  73. Godos, J.; Tieri, M.; Ghelfi, F.; Titta, L.; Marventano, S.; Lafranconi, A.; Gambera, A.; Alonzo, E.; Sciacca, S.; Buscemi, S.; et al. Dairy foods and health: An umbrella review of observational studies. Int. J. Food Sci. Nutr. 2020, 71, 138–151. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  74. Katsiki, N.; Pérez-Martínez, P.; Lopez-Miranda, J. Olive Oil Intake and Cardiovascular Disease Prevention: “Seek and You Shall Find”. Curr. Cardiol. Rep. 2021, 23, 64. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  75. Massaro, M.; Scoditti, E.; Carluccio, M.A.; Calabriso, N.; Santarpino, G.; Verri, T.; De Caterina, R. Effects of Olive Oil on Blood Pressure: Epidemiological, Clinical, and Mechanistic Evidence. Nutrients 2020, 12, 1548. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  76. Cutruzzolà, A.; Parise, M.; Vallelunga, R.; Lamanna, F.; Gnasso, A.; Irace, C. Effect of Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Butter on Endothelial Function in Type 1 Diabetes. Nutrients 2021, 13, 2436. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  77. Cameron, A.J.; Spence, A.C.; Laws, R.; Hesketh, K.D.; Lioret, S.; Campbell, K.J. A Review of the Relationship Between Socioeconomic Position and the Early-Life Predictors of Obesity. Curr. Obes. Rep. 2015, 4, 350–362. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  78. Patro, B.; Liber, A.; Zalewski, B.; Poston, L.; Szajewska, H.; Koletzko, B. Maternal and paternal body mass index and offspring obesity: A systematic review. Ann. Nutr. Metab. 2013, 63, 32–41. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed] [Green Version]
  79. Nielsen, L.A.; Nielsen, T.R.; Holm, J.C. The Impact of Familial Predisposition to Obesity and Cardiovascular Disease on Childhood Obesity. Obes. Facts 2015, 8, 319–328. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  80. Mazarello Paes, V.; Charalampopoulos, D.; Edge, J.; Taylor-Robinson, D.; Stephenson, T.; Amin, R. Predictors of glycemic control in the first year of diagnosis of childhood onset type 1 diabetes: A systematic review of quantitative evidence. Pediatr. Diabetes 2018, 19, 18–26. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
  81. Hannonen, R.; Aunola, K.; Eklund, K.; Ahonen, T. Maternal Parenting Styles and Glycemic Control in Children with Type 1 Diabetes. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16, 214. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed] [Green Version]
  82. Mahfouz, E.M.; Kamal, N.N.; Mohammed, E.S.; Refaei, S.A. Effects of Mothers’ Knowledge and Coping Strategies on the Glycemic Control of Their Diabetic Children in Egypt. Int. J. Prev. Med. 2018, 9, 26. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  83. Wu, N.; Bredin, S.S.D.; Jamnik, V.K.; Koehle, M.S.; Guan, Y.; Shellington, E.M.; Li, Y.; Li, J.; Warburton, D.E.R. Association between physical activity level and cardiovascular risk factors in adolescents living with type 1 diabetes mellitus: A cross-sectional study. Cardiovasc. Diabetol. 2021, 20, 62. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
Table 1. Descriptive characteristics of sample.
Table 1. Descriptive characteristics of sample.
Full SampleBoysGirlsp-Value
Age (years)15.07 ± 2.2714.96 ± 2.0715.18 ± 2.480.704
Years since T1D diagnosis (y)6.15 ± 4.296.29 ± 4.646.03 ± 3.990.818
Weight (kg)56.2 ± 13.2256.71 ± 14.0155.71 ± 12.610.762
Weight z-score (sd)−0.07 ± 1.16−0.37 ± 1.170.22 ± 1.080.038
Height (m)1.63 ± 0.111.66 ± 0.111.60 ± 0.090.025
Height z-score (ds)−0.00 ± 0.95−0.12 ± 1.040.12 ± 0.850.319
BMI (kg/m2)21.08 ± 3.8520.37 ± 3.8821.80 ± 3.740.140
BMI-SDS (sd)−0.13 ± 1.20−0.44 ± 1.230.18 ± 1.100.036
BMI-IOTF−2 (extremely underweight)1 (1.6%)1 (3.1%)00.060 1
−1 (underweight)2 (3.1%)2 (6.3%)0
0 (normal weight)46 (71.9%)24 (75%)22 (68.8%)
1 (overweight)10 (15.6%)3 (9.4%)7 (21.9%)
2 (obese)5 (7.8%)2 (6.3%)3 (9.4%)
SBP (mmHg)110.97 ± 10.10110.48 ± 9.37111.45 ± 10.910.226
DBP (mmHG)69.34 ± 9.0167.97 ± 8.6970.71 ± 9.250.192
Mean Blood Glucose (mg/dL)178.03 ± 32.25180.80 ± 37.98175.44 ± 26.800.651
HbA1c (%)8.04 ± 1.788.16 ± 1.797.93 ± 1.790.609
TIR (%)55.16 ± 18.5453.42 ± 21.1556.89 ± 16.020.604
UI insulin/kg/die0.64 ± 0.260.64 ± 0.300.64 ± 0.230.894
Insulin treatment (1/2) 21 = 45 (69.2%)
2 = 20 (30.8%)
1= 23 (71.9%)
2 = 9 (28.1%)
1 = 22(66.6%)
2 = 11(33.3%)
0.644
Total Cholesterol (mg/dL)162.21 ± 28.89159.13 ± 32.02165.19 ± 25.690.417
HDL Cholesterol (mg/dL)59.77 ± 15.2359.73 ± 15.9959.81 ± 14.740.984
Triglycerides (mg/dL)71.03 ± 42.7274.67 ± 50.5467.62 ± 34.310.521
KIDMED (pts)6 (−1/+12)6 (2/12)6 (−1/+11)0.082 1
1: calculated with Mann–Whitney U-test. 2: 1—basal/bolus injection/2—intravenous infuser. Descriptive characteristics are expressed as mean ± ds or median (min/max) or as frequencies (percentages). p-value expresses difference between genders. Statistically significant differences in the variables between genders are showed in bold. T1D—Type 1 diabetes, BMI—Body Mass Index, BMI-SDS—Standardized Body Mass Index, BMI-IOTF—International Obesity Taskforce, SBP—systolic blood pressure, DPB—diastolic blood pressure, HbA1c—glycated hemoglobin, TIR—time in range, HDL—high density lipoprotein, KIDMED—Mediterranean Diet Quality Index.
Table 2. KIDMED items and other nutrition-related statistics in the sample.
Table 2. KIDMED items and other nutrition-related statistics in the sample.
Full SampleBoysGirlsp-Value
KIDMED class19 (13.8%)2 (6.3%)7 (21.2%)0.55
237 (56.9%)18 (56.3%)19 (57.6%)
319 (29.2%)12 (37.5%)7 (21.2%)
Celiac disease (Y/N)Y = 14 (21.5%);
N = 51 (78.5%)
Y = 7 (21.9%);
N = 25 (78.1%)
Y = 7 (21.2%);
N = 26 (78.8%)
0.949
CHO calculation (Y/N)Y = 44 (67.7%);
N = 21 (32.2%)
Y = 22 (68.8%);
N = 10 (31.3%)
Y = 22 (66.7%);
N = 11 (33.3%)
0.859
1 p. Fruit/day (0/+1)0 = 14 (21.5%);
1 = 51 (78.5%)
0 = 2 (6.3%);
1 = 30 (93.8%)
0 = 12 (36.4%);
1 = 21 (63.6%)
0.003
2 p. Fruit/day (0/+1)0 = 36 (55.4%);
1 = 29 (44.6%)
0 = 15 (46.9%);
1 = 17 (53.1%)
0 = 21 (63.6%);
1 = 12 (36.4%)
0.177
1 p. Vegetables/day (0/+1)0 = 10 (15.4%);
1 = 55 (84.6%)
0 = 6 (18.8%);
1 = 26 (81.3%)
0 = 4 (12.1%);
1 = 29 (87.9%)
0.462
2 p. Vegetables/day (0/+1)0 = 24 (36.9%);
1 = 41 (63.1%)
0 = 12 (37.5%);
1 = 20 (62.5%)
0 = 12 (36.4%);
1 = 21 (63.6%)
0.925
Fish/2 or 3 p. each week (0/+1)0 = 29 (44.6%);
1 = 36 (55.4%)
0 = 14 (43.8%);
1 = 18 (56.3%)
0 = 15 (45.5%);
1 = 18 (54.5%)
0.891
Fast Food once a week (−1; 0)−1 = 1 (1.5%);
0 = 64 (98.5%)
−1 = 1 (3.1%);
0 = 31 (96.9%)
0 = 33 (100%)0.310
Legumes at least 1 p. a week (0; +1)0 = 35 (53.8%);
1 = 30 (46.2%)
0 = 19 (59.4%);
1 = 13 (40.6%)
0 = 16 (48.5%);
1 = 17 (51.5%)
0.382
Cereals (pasta, rice…) at least 5 p. a week (0; +1)0 = 2 (3.1%);
1 = 63 (96.9%)
1 = 32 (100%)0 = 2 (6.1%);
1 = 31 (93.9%)
0.160
Cereals at breakfast (0; +1)0 = 46 (70.8%);
1 = 19 (29.2%)
0 = 20 (62.5%);
1 = 12 (37.5%)
0 = 26 (78.8%);
1 = 7 (21.2%)
0.152
Nuts and similar foods 2 or 3 p. a week (0; +1)0 = 48 (73.8%);
1 = 17 (26.2%)
0 = 21 (65.6%);
1 = 11 (34.4%)
0 = 27 (81.8%);
1 = 6 (18.2%)
0.141
Olive Oil as preferred oil (0; +1)0 = 1 (1.5%);
1 = 64 (98.5%)
1 = 32 (100%)0 = 1 (3%);
1 = 32 (97%)
0.325
Skip breakfast (−1; 0)−1 = 7 (10.8%);
0 = 58 (89.2%)
−1 = 3 (9.4%);
0 = 29 (90.6%)
−1 = 4 (12.1%);
0 = 29 (87.9%)
0.723
Milk/yogurt or dairy food at breakfast (0; +1)0 = 18 (27.7%);
1 = 47 (72.3%)
0 = 8 (25%);
1 = 24 (75%)
0 = 10 (30.3%);
1 = 23 (69.7%)
0.636
Processed Food at breakfast (−1; 0)−1 = 53 (81.5%);
0 = 12 (18.5%)
−1 = 22 (68.8%);
0 = 10 (31.3%)
−1 = 31 (93.9%);
0 = 2 (6.1%)
0.034
2 portions of milk/yogurt or dairy foods/day (0; +1)0 = 29 (44.6%);
1 = 36 (55.4%)
0 = 10 (31.3%);
1 = 22 (68.8%)
0 = 19 (57.6%);
1 = 14 (42.4%)
0.034
Sweets and/or candies every day (−1; 0)−1 = 20 (30.8%);
0 = 45 (69.2%)
−1 = 11 (34.4%);
0 = 21 (65.6%)
−1 = 9 (27.3%);
0 = 24 (72.7%)
0.538
KIDMED class: 1—low-quality diet; 2 KIDMED class: 1—to improve; 3—optimal Mediterranean diet. (0/+1): 0—No, +1—Yes. (−1; 0): −1—Yes, 0—No. Statistically significant differences in the variables between genders are showed in bold.
Table 3. IPAQ-A global assessments and other non-nutritional aspects of sample.
Table 3. IPAQ-A global assessments and other non-nutritional aspects of sample.
Full SampleBoysGirlsp-Value
Family count22 (3.3%)1 (3.6%)1 (3%)0.138
313 (21.3%)9 (32.1%)4 (12.1%)
428 (45.9%)11 (39.3%)17 (51.5%)
512 (19.7%)5 (17.9%)7 (21.2%)
66 (9.8%)2 (7.1%)4 (12.1%)
SES mother *127 (42.2%)13 (40.6%)14 (43.8%)0.623
231 (48.4%)15 (46.9%)16 (50%)
36 (9.4%)4 (12.5%)2 (6.3%)
SES father *136 (56.3%)19 (59.4%)17 (53.1%)0.564
225 (39.1%)12 (37.5%)13 (40.6%)
33 (4.7%)1 (3.1%)2 (6.3%)
Mother smoke (Y/N) **Y = 9 (14.8%);
N = 52 (85.2)%
Y = 5 (17.2%);
N = 24 (82.9%)
Y = 4 (12.1%);
N = 28 (84.8%)
0.602
Father smoke (Y/N) **Y = 18 (29.5%);
N = 43 (70.5%)
Y = 8 (27.6%);
N = 21 (72.4%)
Y = 10 (31.3%);
N = 22 (68.8%)
0.756
3.3 MET (kcal/week)809.01 ± 844.37687.33 ± 626.77927.00 ± 1008.070.331
4 MET (kcal/week)590.77 ± 760.65654.38 ± 908.70529.09 ± 591.000.535
8 MET (kcal/week)817.23 ± 1045.97975.00 ± 1105.19664.24 ± 977.650.259
Total kcal burnt/week2217.01 ± 1341.712316.70 ± 1272.582120.33 ± 1418.430.348
SES—Socio-economic status; 3.3 MET—kcal burnt with walking/mild physical activity in the last week; 4 MET—kcal burnt with moderate physical activity in the last week; 8 MET—kcal burnt with vigorous physical activity in the last week; *—difference between mother and father assessed through Χ2 test: p = 0.181; **—difference between mother and father assessed through Χ2 test: p = 0.063.
Table 4. Multiple stepwise regression analysis results of significant effects (independent variables) on BMI-SDS (dependent variable) and multiple logistic stepwise regression on IOTF-BMI.
Table 4. Multiple stepwise regression analysis results of significant effects (independent variables) on BMI-SDS (dependent variable) and multiple logistic stepwise regression on IOTF-BMI.
Dependent VariablesSignificant EffectsB (95% CI)βp Value
BMI-SDS (sd):
Model 1
Skip breakfast (−1/0)−1.829 (−2.746; −0.912)−0.471<0.001
BMI-SDS (sd):
Model 2
Skip breakfast (−1/0)−1.804 (−2.675; −0.932)−0.464<0.001
Father’s BMI (kg/m2)0.074 (0.018; 0.129)0.2990.01
IOTF-BMI (pts) *Nut consumption (0/1)//0.001
8 MET//<0.05
Boys: BMI-SDS (sd)Minutes of sport at school (min)−0.016 (−0.027; −0.006)−0.5490.003
Females: BMI-SDS (sd): Model 1Father’s weight (kg)0.033 (0.011; 0.054)0.5070.004
Females: BMI-SDS (sd): Model 2Father’s weight (kg)0.027 (0.007; 0.047)0.4240.007
Skip breakfast (−1/0)−1.377 (−2.459; −0.295)−0.3960.015
CI—confidence interval. *—difference between mother and father assessed through Χ2 test: p = 0.181.
Table 5. Multiple stepwise regression analysis results of significant effects (independent variables) on glucose control main parameters (dependent variables).
Table 5. Multiple stepwise regression analysis results of significant effects (independent variables) on glucose control main parameters (dependent variables).
Dependent VariablesSignificant EffectsB (95% CI)βp Value
Mean blood glucose (mg/dL) Model 1Mother’s age (y)−3.321 (−5.628; −1.015)−0.4800.006
Mean blood glucose (mg/dL) Model 2Mother’s age (y)−2.851 (−4.976; −0.727)−0.4120.010
Father’s SES (1/2/3)−20.834 (−36.655; −5.013)−0.4040.012
HbA1c (%) Model 1Father’s SES (1/2/3)−1.050 (−1.808; −0.291)−0.3450.008
HbA1c (%) Model 2Father’s SES (1/2/3)−1.106 (−1.817; −0.395)−0.3630.003
Consumption of Sweets (−1/0)−1.379 (−2.295; −0.464)−0.3520.004
TIR (%) Model 1Father’s SES (1/2/3)15.718 (6.230; 25.206)0.5640.002
TIR (%) Model 2Father’s SES (1/2/3)14.316 (5.403; 23.228)0.5130.003
Fish consumption (0/1)12.327 (1.014; 23.640)0.348<0.05
Table 6. Multiple stepwise regression analysis results of significant effects (independent variables) on blood pressure (dependent variables).
Table 6. Multiple stepwise regression analysis results of significant effects (independent variables) on blood pressure (dependent variables).
Dependent VariablesSignificant EffectsB (95% CI)βp Value
SBP (mmHg) Model 1Milk/Dairy food at breakfast (0/1)−6.073 (−11.551; −0.595)−0.2750.030
SBP (mmHg) Model 2Milk/Dairy food at breakfast (0/1)−6.557 (−11.884; −1.230)−0.2970.017
Olive oil (0/1)−21.279 (−40.475; −2.083)−0.2680.030
DBP (mmHg) Model 1Days to school with motorized transport (n)1.764 (0.538; 2.991)0.3480.006
DBP (mmHg) Model 2Days to school with motorized transport (n)1.779 (0.601; 2.957)0.3510.004
Cereals at breakfast (0/1)−5.567 (−10.072; −1.061)−0.2870.016
DBP (mmHg) Model 3Days to school with motorized transport (n)1.560 (0.396; 2.724)0.3080.009
Cereals at breakfast (0/1)−7.005 (−11.592; 2.418)−0.3610.003
Processed Food at breakfast (0/1)5.738 (0.303; 11.173)0.2540.039
DBP (mmHg) Model 4Days to school with motorized transport (n)1.342 (0.194; 2.490)0.2650.023
Cereals at breakfast (0/1)−6.703 (−11.166; −2.241)−0.3460.004
Processed Food at breakfast (0/1)6.144 (0.854; 11.434)0.2720.024
Olive oil (0/1)−16.997 (−32.881; −1.114)−0.2400.036
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Share and Cite

MDPI and ACS Style

Antoniotti, V.; Spadaccini, D.; Ricotti, R.; Carrera, D.; Savastio, S.; Goncalves Correia, F.P.; Caputo, M.; Pozzi, E.; Bellone, S.; Rabbone, I.; et al. Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet Is Associated with Better Metabolic Features in Youths with Type 1 Diabetes. Nutrients 2022, 14, 596. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14030596

AMA Style

Antoniotti V, Spadaccini D, Ricotti R, Carrera D, Savastio S, Goncalves Correia FP, Caputo M, Pozzi E, Bellone S, Rabbone I, et al. Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet Is Associated with Better Metabolic Features in Youths with Type 1 Diabetes. Nutrients. 2022; 14(3):596. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14030596

Chicago/Turabian Style

Antoniotti, Valentina, Daniele Spadaccini, Roberta Ricotti, Deborah Carrera, Silvia Savastio, Filipa Patricia Goncalves Correia, Marina Caputo, Erica Pozzi, Simonetta Bellone, Ivana Rabbone, and et al. 2022. "Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet Is Associated with Better Metabolic Features in Youths with Type 1 Diabetes" Nutrients 14, no. 3: 596. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14030596

APA Style

Antoniotti, V., Spadaccini, D., Ricotti, R., Carrera, D., Savastio, S., Goncalves Correia, F. P., Caputo, M., Pozzi, E., Bellone, S., Rabbone, I., & Prodam, F. (2022). Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet Is Associated with Better Metabolic Features in Youths with Type 1 Diabetes. Nutrients, 14(3), 596. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14030596

Note that from the first issue of 2016, this journal uses article numbers instead of page numbers. See further details here.

Article Metrics

Back to TopTop