A Case of Diabetes Mellitus

To the Editor: One aspect of the poignant case of Leonard Thompson, the first diabetic patient to receive insulin therapy (February 11),¹ deserves further comment. For more than 12 years Mr. Thompson was placed on an excessively high-fat diet in the mistaken belief that it would improve his condition. Fortunately, the American Diabetes Association now recognizes the numerous studies that demonstrate impressive control of blood glucose and insulin levels among diabetics consuming diets high in complex carbohydrates (starch and fiber).² As an added benefit, such diets markedly reduce serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Thus, the Association's most recent recommendations³ support.