University of Virginia Health System

Mediterranean Diet May Decrease Need for Diabetes Medications

The Mediterranean diet has been shown through many studies to have great health benefits. A new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine suggests another bonus: It may help people with type 2 diabetes decrease or eliminate their need for medications to control blood sugar levels.

Two Types of Diets Tested

Researchers compared 107 people on a low-fat diet to 108 people on a Mediterranean diet. All of the study participants had type 2 diabetes. Both diets were low-calorie; women consumed 1,500 calories per day, and men consumed 1,800 calories per day.

The Mediterranean diet is rich in vegetables, whole grains, legumes, poultry and fish, and includes very little red meat. Participants following the Mediterranean diet were asked to limit carbohydrates to less than 50 percent of their calorie intake. They were asked to consume at least 30 percent of their calories from fat, the main source coming from two or three tablespoons of olive oil daily. Olive oil is a monounsaturated fat, which is a healthy type of fat.

The low-fat diet group was asked to limit their fat intake to no more than 30 percent of their daily calories, especially for saturated fat. They were also given no carbohydrate restrictions as long as most of their carbohydrates came from healthy, whole-grain products.

Mediterranean Diet Trumps Low-Fat Diet

After four years, 70 percent of study participants following a low-fat diet needed diabetes medications, compared with just 44 percent of those following a Mediterranean diet.

The Mediterranean diet also appeared to do better at aiding weight loss and lowering risk factors for heart disease. Although both groups lost weight during the study, those in the Mediterranean diet group lost more than the low-fat group. Cholesterol levels and blood pressure readings were also more improved in the Mediterranean diet group.

The Mediterranean diet reduced the need for drug therapy even after researchers accounted for weight loss, suggesting the effect of the diet goes beyond weight loss. The study authors speculate that the monounsaturated fatty acids from the olive oil are the reason because they are thought to increase insulin sensitivity.

Finding the Right Meal Plan

There's no one-size-fits-all diet for people with diabetes. The right diet for you should fit with your schedule and eating habits. Work with your doctor or nutritionist to create a meal plan that works for you.

To learn more about treating and managing diabetes or finding a diabetes specialist, visit www.uvahealth.com.

Always consult your physician for more information.