Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, occurring when the body doesn’t use insulin effectively. While some people can manage their blood sugar with healthy eating and regular exercise, others may need medication or insulin to keep it in check. One of the most important parts of managing — and even preventing — type 2 diabetes is maintaining a nutritious diet.
A growing body of research points to the benefits of eating more fruits and vegetables. In a study published in the British Medical Journal, researchers tracked 9,754 adults who developed type 2 diabetes and compared them to 13,662 adults who did not. After accounting for lifestyle, social, and dietary risk factors, they found that people who ate the most fruits and vegetables were 50% less likely to develop diabetes than those who ate the least.
The takeaway? Adding more colorful produce to your plate isn’t just good for overall health — it could play a powerful role in reducing your risk of type 2 diabetes.
Source:
Li M, Fan Y, Zhang X, et al. Fruit and vegetable intake and risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus: meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies. BMJ Open 2014;4:e005497. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2014-005497
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