Diabetes and Dietary Fats

Abstract

Fats are important nutrients that supply energy and help to regulate the processes of the human body. The proportion of fat in the energy intake of Koreans, as well as that of saturated fatty acids is continuously increasing. It has been reported that the quality of fat is more important than the intake of fat because of the effects on insulin sensitivity or blood lipid levels depending on the type of fat. To prevent excessive intake of energy or bad fat, total fat intake is recommended to be < 30% of total energy intake. Saturated fatty acids, which have the greatest adverse effect on the risk of cardiovascular disease, are recommended as < 7% of total energy, while trans fatty acids are suggested to be avoided and replaced with unsaturated fatty acids. Emphasis is placed on incorporating healthy eating patterns such as those of the Mediterranean diet and DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), rich in mono- or polyunsaturated fatty acids. A balanced intake of fatty acids and a variety of nutritional foods in appropriate amounts is important for health.