Effects of Mediterranean diet on sexual function in people with newly-diagnosed type 2 diabetes: The MÈDITA trial

Abstract Aims 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. Methods In a randomized clinical trial, with a total follow-up of 8.1 years, 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. Results 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 ED in men, but not FSD in women. Conclusions Among persons with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes, a Mediterranean diet reduced the deterioration of sexual function over time in both sexes.