An extensive review published in The Lancet found that diet makes a difference with respect to who develops diabetes. The studies included in the review demonstrated that following a Mediterranean diet can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes even among people who don’t lose weight.
Some individual foods that appear to offer protection include blueberries, walnuts, green leafy vegetables and yogurt. Coffee was also protective.
The Mediterranean diet seems to have a lot of research backing up its health benefits, not only for preventing diabetes, but also for lowering the risk of heart disease, protecting the legs from peripheral artery disease and warding off strokes. No one knows exactly what it is about the Mediterranean diet that is so beneficial: the vegetables? the olive oil? the lack of refined sugar? Perhaps the spices such as basil and rosemary, in conjunction with the polyphenols from a modest but regular intake of wine, help make a difference.
If you would like to know more about how to follow a Mediterranean diet, or learn about special foods such as coffee, blueberries or walnuts, we suggest our book, The People’s Pharmacy Quick & Handy Home Remedies, with all the details.
