Plasma levels of von Willebrand factor in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus are influenced by dietary monounsaturated fatty acids.

We have previously demonstrated a lowering effect on von Willebrand Factor (vWF) of a diet rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) as compared with a high-carbohydrate diet. In the present study 16 non-insulin dependent diabetic (NIDDM) subjects participated in a cross-over experiment on an out-patient basis comparing the effects on vWF of three weeks treatments with two diets similar in carbohydrate and protein content, one rich in MUFA (30 energy %) and one rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (30 energy %). Before and on the last day of the two diets, the levels of vWF, fibrinogen, fibronectin and alpha 2-macroglobulin were measured. After 3 weeks diet intervention vWF levels were lower after the MUFA regimen compared with the PUFA diet (mean +/- SD) (1.15 +/- 0.36 vs 1.32 +/- 0.42 U/ml, p = 0.003). Similar and unchanged levels of fibrinogen, fibronectin and alpha 2-macroglobulin were seen. In conclusion, three weeks on a diet rich in MUFA lowers vWF as compared with a PUFA rich diet, suggesting a beneficial effect of MUFA on the endothelium in NIDDM patients.