Effects of the modified MIND diet on oxidative stress, inflammation, and quality of life in women with type 2 diabetes and insomnia symptoms: a randomized controlled trial

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a prevalent metabolic disorder frequently accompanied by insomnia; both conditions are strongly associated with increased oxidative stress, systemic inflammation, and reduced quality of life. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the effects of the modified MIND dietary pattern on quality of life and oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers in women with T2DM, insomnia symptoms, and overweight or obesity. In this 3-month study, 44 participants were randomly assigned to either a modified MIND low-calorie diet (MMLCD) group ( n = 22) or a low‑calorie diet (LCD) group ( n = 22). Quality of life was assessed using the SF-36 questionnaire, while oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers were measured at baseline and after the intervention. Compared with the LCD group, levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) (ß: 0.14; 95% CI: 0.01 to 0.27) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (ß: 218.31; 95% CI: 9.18 to 427.44) increased significantly in the MMLCD group ( p < 0.05). Furthermore, significant improvements were observed in quality of life domains, including energy/fatigue (ß: 7.87; 95% CI: 0.84 to 14.91) and emotional well-being (ß: 8.03; 95% CI: 2.08 to 13.98) ( p < 0.05). These findings suggest that, compared to the control, adherence to a calorie-restricted modified MIND dietary pattern may increase TAC and SOD levels and improve selected quality of life domains, particularly energy/fatigue and emotional well-being, in women with T2DM and insomnia symptoms. Evidence for a broad improvement in overall quality of life was limited. Further studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods are warranted to confirm these results. IRCT20181111041611N8 on 07/08/2023.