ABSTRACT
Treatment of hypertension and dyslipidemia in diabetic patients significantly decreases microvascular and coronary artery diseases. Feijoa is the fruit of an evergreen tree in tropical areas which contains high amounts of polyphenols with anti oxidant, antimicrobial and anti inflammatory activity. In view of its composition we evaluated its potential for reducing cardiovascular risk factors [control of hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia and hypertension] in patients with type 2 diabetes. Subjects were 34 men and women, 40-75 years old with type 2 diabetes, who were randomly assigned to receive either Feijoa [150 mg daily] or placebo. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups regarding age, height and body weight. Blood pressure, serum level of fasting blood sugar, total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides, glycosylated hemoglobin, were measured and compared at the beginning and after 12 weeks. Blood pressure decreased after 12 weeks in the Feijoa consumption group. Fasting blood sugar, glycosylated hemoglobin, cholesterol and triglycerides also decreased in the feijoa group in comparison to controls. Feijoa improves control of hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia in diabetic patients and reduces the risk of coronary vascular diseases in patients with type 2 diabetes.