Is Dietary Macronutrient Distribution Related to Serum Lipid Profiles in Children and Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes?

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the dietary macronutrient distribution affects on serum lipid profiles in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D). Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 82 children and adolescents between the ages of 2 and 18 years with a diabetes age of ≥1 year. Dietary intake was evaluated by 3-day food diaries, including three consecutive days (two weekdays and one weekend day). Results: The mean age of the 82 patients with diabetes was 11.6±4.3 years (range: 2-18 years) (45.1% female), the median diabetes duration was 3.4 (2.9) years, the mean HbA1c level was 7.0±1.4%, and mean body mass index standard deviation score was 0.2±1.1. The median distribution of energy from carbohydrates, protein and fat in the total energy intake was 50.0% (6.2), 17.4% (2.7) and 32.5% (5.1), respectively. Dietary fiber intake was inadequate in 64 (77.9%) participants, while for 77 participants (93.9%), saturated fatty acid intake was above the recommended intake. For children and adolescents with T1D, mean serum cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, and high-density lipoprotein levels were 162.9±33.4 mg/dL, 86.2±49 mg/dL, 87.9±29.2 mg/dL, and 60.7±17.9 mg/dL, respectively. Conclusion: To maintain healthy eating, consuming foods high in saturated fat should be limited, and children and adolescents with T1D should be supported by their family and healthcare professionals in the consumption of diets high in fiber.