Effects of Mediterranean diet on sexual function in people with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes: The MÈDITA trial.
To assess the long-term effect of Mediterranean diet, as compared with low-fat diet, on sexual function in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes.



In a randomized clinical trial, with a total follow-up of 8.1years, 215 men and women with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes were assigned to Mediterranean diet (n=108) or a low-fat diet (n=107). The primary outcome measures were changes of erectile function (IIEF) in diabetic men and of female sexual function (FSFI) in diabetic women.



There was no difference in baseline sexual function in men (n=54 vs 52) or women (n=54 vs 55) randomized to Mediterranean diet or low-fat diet, respectively (P=0.287, P=0.815). Over the entire follow-up, the changes of the primary outcomes were significantly lower in the Mediterranean diet group compared with the low-fat group: IIEF and FSFI showed a significantly lesser decrease (1.22 and 1.18, respectively, P=0.024 and 0.019) with the Mediterranean diet. Baseline C-reactive protein levels predicted erectile dysfunction in men but not female sexual dysfunction in women.



Among persons with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes, a Mediterranean diet reduced the deterioration of sexual function over time in both sexes.
Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases Unit, Department of Medical, Surgical, Neurological, Metabolic Sciences and Aging, Second University of Naples, Piazza L. Miraglia n° 2, 80138 Naples, Italy. Electronic address: mariaida.maiorino@unina2.it.
Maria Ida
MI
Maiorino
Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases Unit, Department of Medical, Surgical, Neurological, Metabolic Sciences and Aging, Second University of Naples, Piazza L. Miraglia n° 2, 80138 Naples, Italy. Electronic address: giuseppe.bellastella@unina2.it.
Giuseppe
G
Bellastella
Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases Unit, Department of Medical, Surgical, Neurological, Metabolic Sciences and Aging, Second University of Naples, Piazza L. Miraglia n° 2, 80138 Naples, Italy. Electronic address: marycapu_2008@libero.it.
Mariangela
M
Caputo
Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases Unit, Department of Medical, Surgical, Neurological, Metabolic Sciences and Aging, Second University of Naples, Piazza L. Miraglia n° 2, 80138 Naples, Italy. Electronic address: castaldomena@libero.it.
Filomena
F
Castaldo
Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases Unit, Department of Medical, Surgical, Neurological, Metabolic Sciences and Aging, Second University of Naples, Piazza L. Miraglia n° 2, 80138 Naples, Italy. Electronic address: improtasaria@libero.it.
Maria Rosaria
MR
Improta
Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases Unit, Department of Medical, Surgical, Neurological, Metabolic Sciences and Aging, Second University of Naples, Piazza L. Miraglia n° 2, 80138 Naples, Italy. Electronic address: dario.giugliano@unina2.it.
Dario
D
Giugliano
Diabetes Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Second University of Naples, Piazza L. Miraglia n° 2, 80138 Naples, Italy. Electronic address: katherine.esposito@unina2.it.
Katherine
K
Esposito
D000328:Adult; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000032:analysis; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology*; D018752:Diet, Fat-Restricted; D038441:Diet, Mediterranean; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000150:complications*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012735:Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / Q000150:complications*
D002097:C-Reactive Protein
ED; Female sexual dysfunction; Mediterranean diet; Randomized controlled trial; Type 2 diabetes