Indirect calorimetry in the differential diagnosis of the metabolic status of obese patients with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Twenty-one obese patients with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, 16 female and 5 male ones, were led similar isocaloric rations, differing only by the share of substitution of the traditional protein products (0 %, 60 %, 30 %, 45 %) in the Danpro-S, Danpro-Fibre soybean protein concentrate. The parameters tested were daily glycemia, C-peptides, blood hydrocortisone, and urinary excretion of nitrous metabolites. Indirect calorimetry was used to assess the protein, fat, and carbohydrate oxidation rates at rest. Addition of proteins of a plant origin to the diets of such patients was associated with significant changes of the energy metabolism at rest at the expense of increased oxidation of carbohydrates and reduced protein catabolism, that may be regarded as a favorable effect. In this patient population a 30 % soybean diet brings about an almost maximal positive effect in patients with the first degree of obesity, whereas in those with the second degree of obesity such effect is attained by the 45 % soybean diet.