Macro partitioning
A low-carbohydrate Mediterranean-style diet (≤50% carbohydrates) delays the need for antihyperglycemic drug therapy and improves glycemic control more effectively than a low-fat diet in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes.
If you have newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes, switching to a Mediterranean-style diet that limits carbohydrates to 50% of calories (while ensuring at least 30% comes from fats like olive oil) can significantly delay the need for diabetes medication compared to a standard low-fat diet. Combine this with regular moderate exercise, aiming for about 3 hours per week.
Compared with a low-fat diet, a low-carbohydrate, Mediterranean-style diet led to more favorable changes in glycemic control and coronary risk factors and delayed the need for antihyperglycemic drug therapy in overweight patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes.
Why this rating
Randomized controlled trial with 4-year follow-up, though unblinded to treatment assignment.
Source
The Effects of a Mediterranean Diet on the Need for Diabetes Drugs and Remission of Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes: Follow-up of a Randomized Trial
Katherine Esposito et al. · Diabetes Care · 2014
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