New Guide Could Actually Stop Type 2 Diabetes Right in Its Tracks
More than 29 million people in the U.S. suffer from diabetes. Of those, 90% are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, a condition most commonly brought on by obesity.
Type 2 diabetes is a problem all over the world. New research done in the UK may have some solutions to help those suffering from this disease.
The solutions came from a new eating model called the NHS Eatwell Plan.
The diet was designed to help individuals lose weight in order to better control their diabetes, and it was based on research.
Researchers from the University of Glasgow led the way with 808 obese people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
The group was given the diet, one based on healthy eating but with a 600 calorie deficit.
After shedding weight on this diet, nearly half of the participants saw their diabetes go into remission. After continuing on an 850-calorie-day plan, 75% were drug-free.
The study was published in the journal “Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism.”
Lead author Dr. Jennifer Logue, from the University of Glasgow, said, “It is very much ‘normal eating’ and I think that is a big part of why the weight loss was sustained in the long term as the diet can be followed for life and the food given to the whole family.”
The idea of calorie restriction may be daunting for some, but the findings are hopeful for helping those with type 2 diabetes.
The research suggests that by eating a healthy diet and dropping a few pounds, there may be a way to live diabetes-free.
So what did the diet look like? It was based on the Eatwell plate guide, which separated the daily meal plate into four parts.
The plan suggested five portions of fruits and vegetables, high-fiber carbohydrates and starches, lower fat dairy, lean proteins and small amounts of unsaturated oils.
It also included limiting sugary snacks.
The benefits to those with type 2 diabetes could be seen within a few months of being on the diet. It was really considered a lifestyle change for many.
The NHS plan is really based on what we already know. Eating a healthy diet and keeping our weight under control will ultimately lead to better health. Now there’s more research to back it up.
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