A recent study published in the ‘American Journal of Clinical Nutrition' revealed that Mediterranean diet is easier to manage and improves diabetes management.

Keto-Med was a randomized, crossover, interventional trial. Forty participants aged ≥18 years with prediabetes or T2DM followed the well-formulated ketogenic diet (WFKD) and the Mediterranean- plus diet (Med-Plus) for 12 weeks each, in random order. Researchers compared these 2 low- carbohydrate diets with 3 key similarities (incorporating nonstarchy vegetables and avoiding added sugars and refined grains) and 3 key differences (incorporating compared with avoiding legumes, fruits, and whole, intact grains) for their effects on glucose control and cardiometabolic risk factors in individuals with prediabetes and T2DM. The Med-Plus incorporated legumes, fruits, and whole, intact grains, while the WFKD avoided them.

While both dietary patterns produced several health benefits, including a greater decrease in triglyceride concentrations for the WFKD, the WFKD also induced a few changes of potential concern such as elevated LDL cholesterol and lower nutrient intakes from avoiding legumes, fruits, and whole, intact grains, as well as being less sustainable.

According to the researchers, there is no reason to restrict heart-healthy, quality carbohydrate food above and beyond. In a clinical setting, patients should be supported in choosing a dietary pattern that fits their needs and preferences. There should be less focus on promoting 1 particular diet approach as best; rather, clinicians should allow patients to make an informed choice to help them establish which approach is most suitable for them.

Finally, regardless of benefits, diets need to be sustainable, and the study suggests that it was difficult for participants to maintain the WFKD, as well as to achieve and maintain the similarities in the 2 diets in terms of restricting added sugars and refined grains.