High risks for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular complications conferred by variants in the TCF7L2 gene can be partially offset by strict adherence to a Mediterranean-style diet, according to a Diabetes Care study.

PREDIMED investigators followed some 7000 participants at very high risk for cardiovascular disease. Their genetic risks were determined by ascertaining the variant of the TCF7L2 gene they carried, with “TT” variants known to confer higher risk than “CT” or “CC” variants.

The subjects were randomized to Mediterranean or low-fat diets and followed for roughly 5 years. TT carriers who did not generally observe Mediterranean-style diets at baseline showed higher risks for cardiovascular events, although not significantly so. Furthermore, TT carriers randomized to and adhering to a Mediterranean diet had stroke rates similar to CT and CC carriers.

The authors conclude that their findings support the benefits of a Mediterranean diet, “especially for genetically susceptible individuals.”

Source: Diabetes Care