Diet is the cornerstone oftreatment in type 2 diabetes mellitus. The first study in this thesis assessed the compliance of subjects with type 2 diabetes being managed as out-patients in secondary care. Subjects (n=50) were recruited from the Derby ~oyal Infirmary and asked to complete a 6-day food diary as well as a physical activity .. ('. • questionnaire. Patient notes were then assessed and relevant biochemical and anthropometric data recorded. Results from the study demonstrated a lack of compliance in many areas despite dietetic advice. In particular saturated fat intake exceeded recommendations whilst cis-monounsaturated fat + total carbohydrate, non-starch polysaccharide, fruit and vegetable «3 portions) and selenium intakes were all insufficient and did not meet the guidelines. Oxidative stress and antioxidant depletion are involved in type 2 diabetes. Fruit and ,. vegetables are important sources of antioxidants and polyphenols yet subjects failed to comply with the recommended five portions per day. The National Diet and Nutrition Survey also determined that fruit and vegetable intake was lower for the general population than current recommendations. Therefore, a follow on study determined the nutritional composition of five brands of fruit-based drinks commonly termed, 'Smoothies' as a more convenient and palatable way of assisting the recommended 5-a-day guidelines for fruit and vegetable intake. Results demonstrated that the drinks varied greatly in their nutritional composition both within (P