Executive summary: Updates to the dietary treatment of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Adequate lifestyle changes significantly reduce the cardiovascular risk factors associated with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Therefore, healthy eating habits, regular physical activity, abstaining from using tobacco, and good sleep hygiene are recommended for managing these conditions. There is solid evidence that diets that are plant-based; low in saturated fatty acids, cholesterol, and sodium; and high in fiber, potassium, and unsaturated fatty acids are beneficial and reduce the expression of cardiovascular risk factors in these subjects. In view of the foregoing, the Mediterranean diet, the DASH diet, a low-carbohydrate diet, and a vegan-vegetarian diet are of note. Additionally, the relationship between nutrition and these metabolic pathologies is fundamental in targeting efforts to prevent weight gain, reducing excess weight in the case of individuals with overweight or obesity, and personalizing treatment to promote patient empowerment. This document is the executive summary of an updated review that includes the main recommendations for improving dietary nutritional quality in people with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes mellitus. The full review is available on the webpages of the Spanish Society of Arteriosclerosis, the Spanish Diabetes Society, and the Spanish Society of Internal Medicine.

Keywords: Caloric content; Carbohydrates; Contenido calórico; Diabetes; Diet; Dieta; Hidratos de carbono; Obesidad; Obesity; Prediabetes.