• Gontarek MJ
• Krabbe JP

• Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / prevention and control
• Diet, Mediterranean
• Glycemic Control
• Insulin Resistance

Abstract: The purpose of this review is to analyze the role of a Mediterranean diet in the prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The components of a Mediterranean diet and their effects on insulin sensitivity and glycemic control will be explored. Considerations for use of this diet in the prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus will be based off improvement of glycemic control, biomarkers specific to increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus, and insulin sensitivity.

Methods: A literature search in Dynamed, JAMA Network, and Pubmed was conducted using the search terms, “Mediterranean diet,” “Mediterranean diet and type 2 diabetes and prevention,” “type 2 diabetes and prevention,” “type 2 diabetes and Mediterranean diet,” “type 2 diabetes and fiber,” “type 2 diabetes and whole grains,” “type 2 diabetes and polyphenols,” “Mediterranean diet and fiber,” “exercise and type 2 diabetes,” “therapies and type 2 diabetes,” “metformin and type 2 diabetes,” “fish consumption and type 2 diabetes,” and “type 2 diabetes and lifestyle and prevention.” Cohort, epidemiological, randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews with full text published between 2000 and 2020 are included. Only human studies are referenced. Animal studies and narrative reviews were excluded.

Author keywords: Mediterranean Diet, Type 2 Diabetes mellitus, Glycemic Control, Dietary Adherence, Insulin Sensitivity

This abstract is reproduced with the permission of the publisher.