The Influence of Hispanic Culture on Diabetes

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of a one-year intervention with a low-carb and low-fat diet on BMI, weight loss, and glycemic control in Hispanic patients with type 2 diabetes. Low-fat participants were given the Mediterranean diet, while the low-carb participants were given the Atkin's diet. A total of 60 randomized participants were assigned to a low-carb or a low-fat diet where they had to monitor their sugar levels and carbohydrate or fat intake. Before the study took place, each participant received nutritional education and tools, such as glucose monitors and a journal, to help them monitor their progress throughout the year. Every three months, health professionals interviewed each participant in order to keep track of their progress. When acquiring the results, the glucose, BMI, and cholesterol levels were measured and compared. Glucose, BMI, cholesterol levels and weight loss significantly decreased. However, the Mediterranean diet had better results than the Atkin's diet. In conclusion, the low-fat Mediterranean diet had the most significant findings.