Study reveals which diets cut type 2 diabetes risk

Researchers from the University of Cambridge said they looked at 33 studies on three different diets

Several healthy diets can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, regardless of a person's ethnicity, a new study has found

Researchers from the University of Cambridge looked at 33 studies on three different diets featuring 826,000 people.

Their analysis suggested the eating habits, all of which place a focus on consuming more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, "can be promoted across all populations".

They said the findings "suggest that major ethnic groups benefit equally from higher adherence to these dietary patterns", although more research is needed for specific populations.

Researchers said the Mediterranean diet, the Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI) and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (Dash) were trialled.

The study found that the top 10% who adhered to the diets had a significantly lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes happens when the hormone insulin does not work properly, causing high blood sugar.

Treatment for the condition could include lifestyle changes such as healthier eating and exercise to help lower levels.

The review suggested that the Dash diet reduced the risk of developing the condition by 23%, the Mediterranean by 17% and AHEI linked to a 21% lower risk.

The benefits of following each diet also did not appear to vary across African, Asian, European, and Hispanic ethnic groups, according to researchers.

They added: "This study strengthens the evidence that the Mediterranean, AHEI, and Dash dietary patterns may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes across diverse ethnic groups, and that they can be promoted across all populations."

The findings will be presented at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) in Vienna in September.