A new study suggests that type 2 diabetes can be prevented through the consumption of healthy fats. These types of fats are found in nuts, seeds, fish, and vegetable oils. On the other hand, the study also pointed out that people should limit their intake of animal fats and refined carbohydrates to further reduce their risk of type 2 diabetes.
Co-leader of the study Dr. Dariush said, “The world faces an epidemic of insulin resistance and diabetes. Our findings support preventing and treating these diseases by eating more fat-rich foods like walnuts, sunflower seeds, soybeans, flaxseed, fish, and other vegetable oils and spreads, in place of refined grains, starches, sugars, and animal fats. This is a positive message for the public. Don’t fear healthy fats.”
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The researchers analyzed the results of 102 clinical trials involving 4,660 adults to evaluate the role of dietary fats in the prevention of type 2 diabetes.
Participants were fed meals with different levels of saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fats and carbohydrates.
The researchers found that a diet rich in monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fats was more successful at blood sugar control, compared to a diet with saturated fat and carbohydrates.
First author Fumiaki Imamura said, “Among different fats, the most consistent benefits were seen for increasing polyunsaturated fats, in place of either carbohydrates or saturated fat.”
“Until now, our understanding of how dietary fats and carbohydrates influence glucose, insulin, and related risk factors has been based on individual studies with inconsistent findings. By combining results from more than 100 trials, we provide the strongest evidence to date on how major nutrients alter these risks,” Imamura concluded.
Also, read Bel Marra Health’s article: Home test to check if you have diabetes.
Emily Lunardo studied medical sociology at York University with a strong focus on the social determinants of health and mental illness. She is a registered Zumba instructor, as well as a Canfit Pro trainer, who teaches fitness classes on a weekly basis. Emily practices healthy habits in her own life as well as helps others with their own personal health goals. Emily joined Bel Marra Health as a health writer in 2013.
