The Importance of a Well-Balanced Diet in Preventing Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a prevalent condition that is primarily inherited. However, adopting a healthy lifestyle and following nutrition recommendations can help prevent or delay the onset of the disease. This is according to a recent study conducted by the University of Eastern Finland.
The study focused on individuals who had a substantial genetic predisposition to developing type 2 diabetes. The researchers found that adhering to nutrition recommendations and maintaining a well-balanced diet was associated with improved blood glucose levels and a reduced risk of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.
The investigation involved over 1,500 middle-aged and older men who participated in the Metabolic Syndrome in Men Study (METSIM). The researchers assessed the participants’ blood glucose levels through a two-hour glucose tolerance test and analyzed their food consumption using a meal frequency questionnaire.
By examining the proportion of food consumed by the participants, the researchers were able to identify two distinct eating behaviors. One pattern, consisting of vegetables, fruits, vegetable oils, fish, chicken, potatoes, unsweetened and low-fat yogurt, low-fat cheese, and whole grain products like rice, pasta, and polenta, was considered a “healthy” dietary pattern.
This healthy diet was linked to several benefits, including a decreased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and prediabetes, as well as a lower frequency of elevated blood glucose levels. The study also examined the relationship between genetics and glucose metabolism in relation to nutrition.
Interestingly, regardless of the genetic risk of developing diabetes, individuals with both low and high genetic risk shared the same link between a balanced diet and improved glucose metabolism. This suggests that the inheritance of the diabetes gene is irrelevant when it comes to the benefits of a healthy diet.
In conclusion, the findings of this study indicate that following nutrition recommendations and maintaining a well-balanced diet can be advantageous for all individuals, regardless of their genetic susceptibility to type 2 diabetes. So, whether you have a family history of diabetes or not, it is important to prioritize a healthy diet to reduce the risk of developing this condition.