Abstract
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Diabetes is associated with a range of co-morbidities and increased risk
of cardiovascular disease. This study investigated factors associated with
changes to weight, lipid and metabolic syndrome variables during a 12
month dietary intervention trial. Fifty male and female participants with
type-2 diabetes were included in the study (3575 years), BMI >25 and
<35 kg/m2 and waist circumference >102 cm for men or >94 cm for
women. Longitudinal patterns of change in physical activity, eating
behaviour, weight, lipid and metabolic syndrome variables were examined,
within and between groups, with paired and independent t-tests,
respectively. Regression was used to investigate associations between
baseline values, indices of fluctuation (root mean square RMSE of
regression over time) and variable changes over time (slope of the
regression over time). All variables decreased over time, except HDL
cholesterol which increased (P < 0.05). Baseline values and fluctuations
were associated with variable changes (slope), particularly to metabolic
syndrome parameters. Interestingly, fluctuations across time were consistently
associated with positive health outcomes; a result contrary to
the literature.