Chapter 1: Diabetes and Obesity: An Overview of Nutritional Effects

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity are well known for their capacity to induce extensive morbidity, costly medical care, and ultimately, shortened lifespan. Of further urgency, these conditions have reached epidemic proportions globally, owing largely to the modern-day lifestyle. In conjunction with weight loss, dietary interventions afford the opportunity to both prevent T2D and mitigate its potential complications. Though no single universal diet has been recommended, several proposed dietary patterns have demonstrated modest benefit in T2D as well as in other conditions associated with insulin resistance, such as the metabolic syndrome, non-alcoholic hepatosteatosis, and polycystic ovary syndrome. Most favorable dietary patterns are consistent in endorsing ample fruits, vegetables, and nuts, while limiting processed foods high in fructose and saturated fat, and those with high glycemic indices.