Combined Nutritional and Exercise Strategies to Reduce Liver Fat Content in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes

Combined Nutritional and Exercise Strategies to Reduce Liver Fat Content in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes

The aim of this study will be to evaluate in patients with type 2 diabetes the effects on liver fat of an intervention with a diet relatively rich in CHO/rich in fibre/low GI or a diet rich in MUFA, either combined or not with a structured program of physical exercise, with emphasis on mechanisms possibly underlining these effects, namely changes in postprandial triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, body fat distribution, insulin sensitivity, oxidative stress and inflammation, adipose tissue lipolytic activities, aerobic capacity and endothelial function.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Men and postmenopausal women
• Age 35-65 years
• BMI 27- 34 kg/m2
• HbA1c <8%
• Fasting plasma cholesterol <250 mg/dl
• Fasting plasma triglycerides <300 mg/dl

Exclusion Criteria:

• Hypolipidemic drugs
• Plasma creatinine >1.7 mg/dl transaminases > 2 norma values
• Ischemic heart disease or positive treadmill stress test
• High intensity regular physical activity
• Any disease or chronic or/and acute condition contraindicating physical activity(anaemia, and infectious, neoplastic, neurological and osteoarticular diseases).