Diet Mediterranean diets highly recommended for diabetes

A comparative study shows the benefits of the healthy Mediterranean diet

The International Diabetes Federation and the World Health Organization (WHO) rate type 2 diabetes as one of the major common diseases. It is estimated that 350 to 400 million people worldwide suffer from this type of diabetes. But the good news about this disease is that proper nutrition has a positive effect on the disease process. The German Institute for Nutrition Research (DIfE) advises diabetics on the Mediterranean diet, as it is a good and healthy way to influence the sugar metabolism favorable.

A European team led by Lukas Schwingshackl and Heiner Boeing from the DIfE have compared eight diets in a scientific study to determine which diet is best suited to improve blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. The researchers used an elaborate analysis to evaluate the data of 4,937 study participants from 56 nutritional studies. In particular, the effects of nine different diets on fasting and long-term blood glucose levels were compared. The results were published in the "European Journal of Epidemiology".

Fruits, vegetables, olive oil, nuts, whole grains and pulses of the Mediterranean diet have a positive effect on blood sugar levels. (Image: simonidadj / fotolia.com)

New analysis method provides the results

Researchers looked at which diet has the greatest effect on metabolism compared to the usual diet of the participants. Using network meta-analysis, a novel method of analysis, scientists have been able to evaluate and compare many different diets simultaneously. However, the included studies had to at least have studied the effects of two different nutritional approaches on the study participants.

Which diets were compared?

Among the nine diets studied include low-fat, paleo, high-protein, low-carb and Mediterranean diet. Vegetarian or vegan diets were also analyzed by the researchers and the effects of diets with a moderate carbohydrate content. In addition, diets with a low glycemic load were studied. Only studies were included in the analysis where participants were over 18 years of age and maintained a specific diet for at least 12 weeks.

Why is the Mediterranean diet suitable for diabetics??

The Mediterranean diet was best at lowering fasting blood glucose levels, followed by the paleo diet and vegan diet. Fasting blood glucose is the amount of blood glucose after a fasting period of at least eight hours, such as the morning after an eight-hour night's sleep , In diabetics, this value is significantly increased. The Mediterranean diet has been shown to help lower its value.

What influence does the low carb diet have??

The low carb diet had the biggest impact on long term blood glucose, also called HbA1c. This value reflects the blood glucose level over the past eight to twelve weeks. This value is hardly influenced by short-term fluctuations. The value can also contribute to the diagnosis of diabetes. Because the HbA1c value is more than 6.5 percent, there is a diabetes disease. Again, the Mediterranean diet, but also the paleo-diet, had a positive impact on the long-term blood sugar level.

What influence did the low-fat diet have??

The low-fat diet had the weakest effect on both fasting and long-term blood glucose levels, and thus on total glucose metabolism. Although she was able to influence both values ​​positively, but not as strong as the other diets.

Results of the study

"Our study shows that a plant-based diet such as the Mediterranean diet is a good way to positively influence the sugar metabolism in people with diabetes," summarizes study author Schwingshackl. Researchers suggest that phytochemicals and fiber in fruits, vegetables, olive oil, nuts, whole grains and legumes may improve patients' insulin sensitivity. The production of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) could also be reduced. AGEs are sugar-protein compounds that are produced, inter alia, at high blood sugar levels.

Diet can have a big impact on diabetes

"It has long been recognized that in diabetes, good blood glucose control is a crucial step to prevent serious sequelae such as a heart attack or stroke," says Heiner Boeing, DIfE department head of epidemiology. According to Boeing, people with diabetes should contribute as much as possible about their diet to getting their blood sugar under control. This easily promotes well-being, saves medication and thereby also relieves our health system. (Vb)