Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that requires a careful and especially long-term approach to nutrition. Diet plays an essential role in the effective management of type 2 diabetes and can even lead to remission of the disease in some cases.
A healthy, balanced diet for type 2 diabetes should emphasize nutrient-dense foods low in carbohydrates and saturated fat. Some of the most effective diets for type 2 diabetes include the Mediterranean diet and low-calorie diets, such as a very low-calorie diet (VLCD).
VLCD diet and type 2 diabetes
The VLCD diet, which involves eating 800-1200 calories per day, is extremely effective in treating type 2 diabetes. This low-calorie type 2 diabetes diet can lead to significant weight loss and improvement in glycemic control, even helping diabetes remission in some cases.
A recentstudy, the Diabetes Remission Clinical Trial (DiRECT), showed that a VLCD diet caused diabetes remission in nearly half (46%) of participants with type 2 diabetes within a year. These results are remarkable and demonstrate the potential of VLCD diets in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Mediterranean diet and type 2 diabetes
In addition to VLCD diets, the Mediterranean diet has also been shown to be effective in managing type 2 diabetes. This diet, rich in plant-based foods and preparations, fish, olive oil, and nuts, has been associated with improved glycemic control, weight loss, and reducing the risk of complications in patients with type 2 diabetes.
However, several studies have shown the possibility that the Mediterranean diet does not significantly influence cholesterol levels. In fact, this is rather associated with a healthy lifestyle – the Mediterranean style. Therefore, it can be the ideal follow-up to a specialized diet aimed at type 2 diabetes. You can achieve weight loss and improve aspects associated with diabetes with the help of a specialized diet, after which you can turn to the Mediterranean diet, thus promoting a healthy lifestyle and long-term weight maintenance.
Key principles of a type 2 diabetes diet
Regardless of the dietary approach chosen, some key principles must be considered to effectively manage type 2 diabetes:
- Limiting the intake of carbohydrates, especially refined ones and added sugar;
- Eating foods rich in fiber, protein, and healthy fats;
- Maintaining a healthy body weight by losing weight if necessary;
- Adopting an active lifestyle and frequent exercise.
By adopting a balanced and healthy diet, patients with type 2 diabetes can achieve better blood sugar control, reduce the risk of complications, and even achieve remission of the disease in some cases.
In this sense, you can turn to specialized diets, such as the VLCD NUPO diet, which can help you better manage the symptoms of type 2 diabetes. This diet provides the body with the necessary nutrients, minerals and vitamins, as well as protein and fiber to maintain the level of satiety within acceptable limits, thus preventing inopportune snacks!
