Abstract
The aim of the present review is to examine current scientific knowledge on the association between the Mediterranean diet and diabetes mellitus (mostly type 2 diabetes). A definition of the Mediterranean diet and the tools widely used to evaluate adherence to this traditional diet (Mediterranean diet indices) are briefly presented. The review focuses on epidemiological data linking adherence to the Mediterranean diet with the risk of diabetes development, as well as evidence from interventional studies assessing the effect of the Mediterranean diet on diabetes control and the management of diabetes-related complications. The above mentioned data are explored on the basis of evaluating the Mediterranean diet as a whole dietary pattern, rather than focusing on the effect of its individual components. Possible protective mechanisms of the Mediterranean diet against diabetes are also briefly discussed.
Highlights
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycemia, resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both
The Mediterranean diet (MD) is a primarily plant-based dietary pattern, that has long been celebrated for its various health benefits, mainly in relation to decreased risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and cancer, as well as decreased all-cause and disease-specific mortality [5]
The aim of the present review is to provide an overview of the current literature exploring the role of the MD in DM prevention and treatment, as well as to discuss potential mechanisms by which MD protects individuals against the disease
Summary
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycemia, resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. Lifestyle factors, including dietary and physical activity habits, are largely modifiable and are currently targeted as a mean to prevent and treat the disease. With regard to dietary habits, current trends in nutritional epidemiology propose that pattern analysis is the most realistic approach to examine associations between overall diet and health or disease, instead of focusing on single dietary components [3]. Several dietary patterns have been proven beneficial both for the prevention and management of T2DM; most of these dietary patterns are characterised by high consumption of plant foods and low consumption of animal-based, high-fat and processed foods [4]. The Mediterranean diet (MD) is a primarily plant-based dietary pattern, that has long been celebrated for its various health benefits, mainly in relation to decreased risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and cancer, as well as decreased all-cause and disease-specific mortality [5]
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