Diabetes UK has published new nutrition guidelines to help people with diabetes and those at risk of Type 2 diabetes to better manage their diet.

These evidence-based guidelines, reflect recent research advances and provide nutrition recommendations to better enable healthcare professionals in supporting adults with diabetes, and those at risk of Type 2 diabetes.

For the first time the charity's guidelines outline how people with Type 2 diabetes might be able to achieve remission. This guidance has been added after the first year results of the Diabetes UK funded study called DiRECT, suggested that Type 2 diabetes remission can occur with significant weight loss.

The guidelines outline consistently strong evidence that suggests eating certain foods can help reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes, can manage blood glucose levels in people with Type 2 diabetes, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in people with diabetes. These suggested foods include vegetables, fruits, wholegrains, fish, nuts and pulses. Eating less red and processed meat, refined carbohydrates and sugar sweetened beverages, is also recommended.

 

 Deputy head of care at Diabetes UK, and co-chair of the guidelines group, Douglas Twenefour, said: “There is not a one-size-fits all approach when it comes to making food choices, so these new guidelines take this into account. It is important that people with diabetes, and those at risk, are supported to choose the right foods for them to help them to achieve their specific treatment goals and improve their health and quality of life.”

The nutrition guidelines are available to all healthcare professionals here.