Dietary patterns and type 2 diabetes: A narrative review

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Nutrition Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Global rise in type 2 diabetes (T2D) necessitates effective prevention and management strategies.
• Dietary modifications are recognized as a key intervention for T2D.
• Metabolic indicators like blood glucose, HbA1c, and insulin sensitivity are influenced by diet.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current evidence on major dietary patterns and their association with T2D.
• To identify limitations in existing research on diet and T2D.
• To guide future research for evidence-based dietary guidelines.

Main Methods:

• Narrative review of scientific literature.
• Analysis of associations between vegetarian, omnivorous, low-carbohydrate, Mediterranean, DASH, and Western diets with T2D outcomes.
• Identification of research gaps and limitations.

Main Results:

• Healthy dietary patterns (vegetarian, low-carbohydrate, Mediterranean, DASH) are linked to reduced HbA1c, improved insulin sensitivity, and weight management.
• Western diets and ultra-processed foods are associated with increased T2D risk.
• Inconsistencies in study design and definitions hinder direct comparisons.

Conclusions:

• Specific healthy dietary patterns show promise for T2D management.
• Further standardized, long-term, cross-national research is needed.
• Elucidating mechanisms is crucial for practical, evidence-based T2D dietary guidelines.