The role of nutrition in the prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Background. Type 2 diabetes mellitus is the most widespread disease globally, representing one of the major global public health issues of the 21st century. Untreated diabetes can lead to severe complications: stroke, diabetic retinopathy, diabetic nephropathy, amputations and cardiovascular diseases. Objective(s). To evaluate the role of nutrition in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus and the effect of diet on body mass, blood glucose levels, lipid profile, and intestinal microflora. Materials and methods. After analyzing the results of clinical studies in the PubMed database, 25 scientific articles were evaluated. Upon reviewing these sources, a positive trend was confirmed in the treatment of diabetes through various nutritional strategies: a high-fiber diet, a low-carbohydrate diet based on almonds, the ketogenic diet, and the use of probiotics. Results. A fiber-rich diet has several positive effects, such as increasing the synthesis of fatty acids, enhancing insulin sensitivity, and reducing glycated hemoglobin levels. The lowcarbohydrate almond-based diet has a positive impact on depression and lowers glycated hemoglobin levels in patients with diabetes. The ketogenic diet contributes to a decrease in body mass and BMI and differs from other diets by lowering triglycerides, cholesterol, and LDL, while increasing HDL levels, which provides a positive dynamic, especially when combined with other diets. The increase in Bifidobacterium lactis raises HbA1c levels and enhances GLP-1 secretion. Conclusion(s). Adoption of diets rich in fiber, low in carbohydrates almond-based diet, or ketogenic can significantly improve glycemic control, lipid profile, and the patient's mental state, thereby reducing complications associated with the disease and maintaining body weight within normal limits.