So the science of epigenetics takes a look at what modifications are affected by our diet, our lifestyle (BMI and exercise), our microbiome (gut bacteria) and our environment and the impact on genes being on or off.
So looking specifically at the question, do low fat diets reduce the risk of diabetes, a study was done with 3,954 participants using a DNA methylation analysis performed (blood test) so that the CPT gene status could be determined. The study included a detailed diet analysis of participants. The study then analyzed the data and looked at the association between carbohydrate and fat intake with methylation of the CPT gene. Results: "High fat, low carbohydrate diets reduce methylation of the CPT gene. This activates the CPT gene which results in more CPT being produced. This improves fat metabolism, but also increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. High carbohydrate, low fat diets increase methylation of the CPT gene. This results in less CPT being produced. This is OK because there is little fat to be metabolized. However, it also has the advantage of reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes."
The bottom line is that a whole food low fat diet (healthy carbohydrates: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes) are associated with reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
~ Mary Ann
Next week: What we can do to lower cholesterol?