In a new study, a group of scientists wanted to learn more about how diet affects the health of people with type 2 diabetes.
They conducted a study called “Low-Carbohydrate Diet and Mortality in Type 2 Diabetes” study.
The scientists looked at data from two large studies, the Nurses’ Health Study and Health Professionals Follow-up Study, which included over 10,000 people with type 2 diabetes.
They wanted to see if there was a connection between the type of low-carbohydrate diet people followed and their risk of dying from any cause, as well as from cardiovascular disease and cancer.
To do this, they calculated a score called the “Low-Carbohydrate Diet Score” for each participant based on the percentage of energy they got from carbohydrates.
They also looked at different types of low-carbohydrate diets, including those that emphasized vegetables (VLCDS), those that emphasized animal products (ALCDS), those that emphasized healthy sources of macronutrients (HLCDS), and those that emphasized unhealthy sources of macronutrients (ULCDS).
The scientists found that people who followed low-carbohydrate diets that emphasized high-quality sources of macronutrients, such as vegetables and healthy fats, had a lower risk of dying from any cause, as well as from cardiovascular disease and cancer.
Specifically, for every 10-point increase in the VLCDS and HLCDS, there was a 25% lower risk of dying from any cause.
This means that if someone increased their VLCDS or HLCDS score from 20 to 30, their risk of dying would be 25% lower.
The scientists also found that people who followed low-carbohydrate diets that emphasized unhealthy sources of macronutrients, such as processed meats and high-fat dairy products, did not have a lower risk of dying.
Overall, this study suggests that following a low-carbohydrate diet that emphasizes high-quality sources of macronutrients may be beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes.
However, more research is needed to confirm these findings and to determine the optimal type of low-carbohydrate diet for people with type 2 diabetes.
How to prevent type 2 diabetes by eating foods
Maintaining a healthy diet is one of the most important steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Here are some tips on what to eat to help prevent type 2 diabetes:
Eat a balanced diet: A balanced diet includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. This type of diet can help you maintain a healthy weight, which is important for preventing type 2 diabetes.
Limit sugary foods and drinks: Sugary foods and drinks, such as candy, soda, and pastries, can cause your blood sugar levels to spike and increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Try to limit your intake of these foods and choose healthier options, such as fruits and vegetables.
Choose healthy carbohydrates: Carbohydrates are an important part of a healthy diet, but it’s important to choose the right types of carbs.
Foods that are high in fiber, such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, can help regulate your blood sugar levels and reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Include lean proteins: Lean proteins, such as chicken, fish, beans, and tofu, can help keep you full and prevent overeating. They are also important for building and repairing muscle.
Watch your portion sizes: Eating too much, even of healthy foods, can lead to weight gain and increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Be mindful of your portion sizes and try to eat slowly to give your body time to feel full.
By following these tips and maintaining a healthy diet, you can reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes and improve your overall health. Remember to also stay active and maintain a healthy weight to further reduce your risk.
The research is published in Diabetes Care and was conducted by Yang Hu et al.
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