Mediterranean Diet Benefits Diabetics

PLYMOUTH, United KingdomDiabetics who follow a Mediterranean diet rich in fruit, vegetables, fish, nuts, low-fat dairy, whole grains and olive oil experience better outcomes with weight loss and lower blood sugar, according to a new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Researchers at the Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry assessed the effect of various diets on glycemic control, lipids, and weight loss. They reviewed results of 20 studies comparing the effect of low-carbohydrate, vegetarian, vegan, low-glycemic index (GI), high-fiber, Mediterranean, and high-protein diets with control diets, including low-fat, high-GI, American Diabetes Association, European Association for the Study of Diabetes, and low-protein diets.

The low-carbohydrate, low-GI, Mediterranean, and high-protein diets all led to a greater improvement in glycemic control. The largest effect size seen in the Mediterranean diet. Low-carbohydrate and Mediterranean diets also led to greater weight lossan average of 4 pounds. Low-carb, low-glycemic and Mediterranean diets all led to increases in HDL cholesterol.

A 2011 study published in the journal Age, found individuals who follow a Mediterranean diet live an average of 23 years longer than individuals who eat more meat and animal products.