Cambridge study says healthy diets could reduce risk of diabetes
Researchers said the Mediterranean diet, the Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI) and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (Dash) were trialled. The study found that the top 10% who adhered to the diets had a significantly lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes happens when the hormone insulin does not work properly, causing high blood sugar. Treatment for the condition could include lifestyle changes such as healthier eating and exercise to help lower levels.The review suggested that the Dash diet reduced the risk of developing the condition by 23%, the Mediterranean by 17% and AHEI linked to a 21% lower risk.The benefits of following each diet also did not appear to vary across African, Asian, European, and Hispanic ethnic groups, according to researchers.They added: "This study strengthens the evidence that the Mediterranean, AHEI, and Dash dietary patterns may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes across diverse ethnic groups, and that they can be promoted across all populations."The findings will be presented at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) in Vienna in September.
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