Potential renal acid load and its relation with metabolic control in children with diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Multiple studies have been demonstrated the benefit of low-acid diets for prevention and treatment of various metabolic pathologies, including metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. However, to date no such studies have been published in patients with type 1 diabetes. Objective: To determine the relationship between the Potential Renal Acid Load (PRAL) of the diet and the metabolic control of their disease in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes. Methods: Observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study, which included 20 children who attended the pediatric endocrinology clinic of the Centro Médico Docente La Trinidad. A Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) was applied to estimate energy, macronutrient, fruit and vegetable intake. PRAL was calculated using the method by Remer and Manz. A urinalysis was performed and glycosylated hemoglobin was analyzed for the last three months. For the statistical analysis, Excel and R programs were applied. Results: Energy (2278±780) and protein (93,5±29.5 gr/day) intake were above the recommended requirements. PRAL was 29,35±19.99 mEq/day and glycosylated hemoglobin 7,49±1.0. A negative correlation was observed between vegetables intake and PRAL. There was no significant relationship between PRAL and glycosylated hemoglobin, time since onset and associated complications. Conclusions: Most of the patients evaluated had high PRAL, with high intake of animal source proteins and poor intake of fruits and vegetables. No significant correlation of PRAL with the metabolic control of type 1 diabetes was found.