Extrait

Background and study aims Dark chocolate rich in polyphenols (mainly epicatechin, a bitter compound) can reduce the risk of heart disease. The earliest signs of heart disease are thought to be linked to a reduction in the ability of the blood vessels to expand and deal with increased blood flow. This is called endothelial dysfunction. It is known that people with type 2 diabetes have increased levels of endothelial dysfunction and this could be part of their increased risk of developing heart disease. It is also thought that high blood glucose (sugar) may increase endothelial dysfunction. Experimental work with chocolate containing epicatechins suggests that this can reduce the level of endothelial dysfunction. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate if providing chocolate rich in polyphenols before a glucose drink would reduce the level of endothelial dysfunction when compared to a low polyphenol chocolate and water. Who can participate? Men and women (postmenopausal) aged between 40-75 years with type 2 diabetes. What does the study involve? The study involves a screening visit, which following giving informed consent will require blood samples to be taken to assess level of diabetes control (HbA1c), cholesterol (lipid profile) and kidney and liver function. These will assess that you are healthy enough to participate in the study. You will also have your blood pressure, height and weight measured. A week after this, if all the screening tests are satisfactory, you will be invited back for a 3-hour test. This will require you to fast from midnight the previous evening. Initially you will have your endothelial function measured using an EndoPAT 2000, which involves having balloon inflating probes on the index finger of each hand and a blood pressure cuff on one arm. After five minutes rest, the blood pressure cuff will be inflated so that it stops the blood flow to your hand for five minutes. This is safe but might be uncomfortable. The cuff is then released to allow the blood flow to return to your hand. The change in flow will be used to calculate endothelial function/ dysfunction. You will then have a tube (cannula) placed in your arm and blood will be taken for testing for glucose, insulin and markers of endothelial function. At this point for the first visit you will be given water. One hour later the tests will be repeated and you will be given the glucose drink. The final series of tests will be repeated two hours after drinking the glucose drink. You will be asked to return a week later where you will be given either a high polyphenol chocolate or a control chocolate with water one hour before the glucose test as described above. The following week you will be asked to return to eat the other chocolate before the testing is repeated for the third time. In addition to the blood tests and the EndoPAT, you will be asked to keep a food and activity diary for the day before, the day of the testing and the day after and collect all your urine for the day before and day of the test. The diaries are to check if your lifestyle varies between the test days, and the urine will indicate levels of metabolic stress which is thought to change with a high glucose intake. What are the possible benefits and risks of participating? The possible benefits include a better understanding of how your body responds to glucose and your overall vascular health. The EndoPAT testing can be uncomfortable and may bruise your arm; blood sampling may also leave a bruise. All the tests are routinely undertaken in clinical practice and are considered safe for people with diabetes. Where is the study run from? The Clinical Trials Unit, Michael White Diabetes Centre, Anlaby Road, Hull. When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for? The study started in January 2009 and is expected to run for 3 months. Who is funding the study? Barry Callebaut BV, Lebbeke-Weise, Belgium. Who is the main contact? Professor Stephen Atkin, Head of Academic Metabolism, Endocrinology and Metabolism.

Critère d'inclusion

• Type 2 Diabetes

Liens

• ictrp
• isrctn