Diet liberalization and metabolic control in type I diabetic outpatients treated by continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion.

In 10 type I diabetic outpatients treated by continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII), dietary habits and metabolic control were investigated. Under conditions of a conventional diabetes diet (including 5-6 meals per day and a strictly planned meal intake) as well as under a "less restricted diabetes diet" (e.g., free choice of number, timing, and amount of carbohydrate intake) near normoglycemia could be achieved. Mean daily blood glucose levels did not change significantly when the patients' nutrition was alternated between both diets. During the "less restricted diabetes diet," the patients opted for a rather high fat intake (51 +/- 5% fat, 34 +/- 5% carbohydrate, and 15 +/- 2% protein). Despite this unintended dietary behavior, serum lipids and body weight remained normal after an observation period of 4-6 mo. It is concluded that during permanent near normoglycemia achieved by CSII a partial liberalization of the diabetes diet does not introduce any short-term or long-term metabolic risk factors for cardiovascular diseases.