Preventing Diabetes

Want a diet to prevent diabetes? How about a couple of cocktails, balsamic-marinated pork, and a cup of espresso? Those are among many foods that can help lower type 2 diabetes risk, says the updated “Healthy Eating for Type 2 Diabetes.” The Harvard Medical School report notes that drinking coffee cuts diabetes risk by up to 42 percent and that drinking alcohol drops diabetes risk by up to 43 percent.

We all know that weight control is key to preventing or managing diabetes, “but if you feel like you’re being deprived, it doesn’t work,” says David Nathan, M.D., director of the Massachusetts General Hospital Diabetes Center. “You need a diet you can live with.”

That means basic—but not boring—healthy eating. The American Diabetes Association’s Sue McLaughlin recommends lots of produce, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats; and minimal amounts of refined sugars, refined starches, red meat, and salt.

John Briley writes about health, fitness, and travel.