Dietary Recommendations for Patients with Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes

Cardiovascular disease remains the main cause of death and disability among patients suffering from diabetes mellitus. All forms of diabetes are characterized by chronic hyperglycemia and the development of diabetes-specific macrovascular disease affecting the coronary arteries that supply the heart. Healthy diet plays an important role in the prevention and management of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. The information in this chapter is divided into the following sections: mechanisms by which diabetes increases cardiovascular disease, the relationship between diet and disease, the potential of foods in preventing cardiovascular disease and diabetes, and dietary items and patterns