Does The Mediterranean Diet Help Prevent Type 2 Diabetes?

The Mediterranean diet is associated with increased longevity and reduced prevalence and death from chronic diseases, according to research by scientists at the University of Zaragoza in Spain and published in "Maturitas" in October 2009. Type 2 diabetes is among the worlds fastest-growing epidemics that scientists project will triple in prevalence in the United States by 2050. Consult your doctor about how the Mediterranean diet can prevent Type 2 diabetes.

Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean diet is based on traditional foods the Greeks ate in Crete before 1960, according to scientists at the Center for Genetics, Nutrition and Health in Washington, D.C., and published in the "Journal of Nutrition" in November 2001. The diet is characterized by primarily plant-based foods that include plentiful amounts of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds and legumes and olive oil, moderate amounts of fish and low-fat yogurt and cheese, minimal amounts of poultry and meat and avoidance of processed foods. The key to switching from a Western diet to the Mediterranean diet is to eat whole foods, replace animal fats and vegetable cooking oils with olive oil, reduce the servings of red meat, eggs and whole-fat dairy products.

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes, formerly called non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, is characterized by high blood sugar levels and insulin resistance, a condition in which your cells do not respond to insulin. About 80 percent of Type 2 diabetics are overweight, which is also a risk factors for developing Type 2 diabetes in both children and adults. You can manage Type 2 diabetes with diet, particularly with low glycemic foods, such as whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, fruits and vegetables, that do not increase your blood sugar levels.

Prevention

Adhering to the Mediterranean diet may reduce your risk of Type 2 diabetes. Research by scientists at Second University of Naples in Italy and published in "Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice" in August 2010 reports that scientific evidence suggests that adopting a Mediterranean diet may help prevent Type 2 diabetes and also improve control of blood sugar and cardiovascular risk in those with established diabetes. It is never too late to change the types of foods you eat and adhere to the Mediterranean diet and lower your risk of Type 2 diabetes.

Weight Loss

Losing weight is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of Type 2 diabetes, particularly if you are obese or overweight. The Mediterranean diet can help you lose weight. Research by scientists at the Second University of Naples in Italy and published in "Metabolic Syndrome and Related Disorders" in February 2001 found the Mediterranean diet may be useful to reduce body weight.