[Protein malnutrition in insulin-dependent or type I diabetes mellitus. Relationship with the degree of metabolic control].

: Fifty-eight insulin-dependent diabetic (IDDM) patients with a disease duration of more than three years were evaluated and divided in three groups depending on the mean sugar blood levels in a three month follow-up. In the first group sugar blood level was lower than 7.7 mmol/l, in the second group it was between 7.7 and 11.1 mmol/l, and in the third group it was higher than 11.1 mmol/l. The nutritional status was evaluated. Protein malnutrition was found in 50% of the evaluated subjects, with a significant relation between the degree of metabolic control and the prevalence of protein malnutrition. In group I (sugar blood level less than 7.7 mmol/l) the prevalence of malnutrition was 31%, whereas in groups II and III (greater than 7.7 mmol/l) it was 54% and 61%, respectively. We discuss the importance to evaluate the nutritional status in diabetic patients, as protein malnutrition is a significant cause of general morbidity and mortality, which can be added to those attributable to diabetes itself.