Is the Mediterranean Diet Helpful If You Have Type 2 Diabetes?
The Mediterranean diet is an eating pattern that emphasizes plant-based foods, including fruits, vegetables, dried legumes, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and olive oil. It also limits red meat and includes small portions of fish, poultry, egg, and dairy products.
The Mediterranean diet aims to be rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and healthy fats. It’s low in cholesterol, saturated fat, trans-fats, and added sugars.
A 2014 review of research found that people with type 2 diabetes who follow the Mediterranean diet tend to have lower blood sugar levels than those who follow a conventional American diet. The Mediterranean diet has also been linked to reduced weight and decreased cholesterol and blood pressure levels.
What’s more, one 2017 review noted that following the Mediterranean diet long-term could be linked to a 20–23 percent lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes and a 28-30 percent lower risk of heart problems.
Conclusion
The food you eat can either make or break you if you have type 2 diabetes, if possible you can refer to your dietician for guidance. Most importantly your diet should contain a full variety of nutrient-rich foods and practice portion management.
Reference:
[1] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-2-diabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20351193
[2] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prediabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20355278
[3] https://medlineplus.gov/vitamins.html
[4] https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/fats/polyunsaturated-fats
[5] https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-996/xylitol