A new study reported in Diabetes Care, suggests a diet filled with whole grains, fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy may help individuals reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes. These findings also highlight the importance of the whole diet, rather than focusing on a certain food that might be beneficial.

Overall, the researchers found that people whose diets were highest in whole grains, fruits, nuts, low-fat dairy and vegetables, particularly leafy greens, were 15 percent less likely to develop type 2 diabetes over five years than those who ate the lowest amounts of these foods. In contrast, adults whose diets were high in red meat, high-fat dairy, refined grains like white bread, plus beans and tomatoes, saw their diabetes risk go up by 18 percent as a group.
 
Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease in the United States. To read articles about diabetes and kidney disease, please visit the AAKP Web site.
 
This article is geared toward individuals at risk for developing diabetes and kidney disease. It is not intended for those who already have diabetes and/or kidney disease.  

This article originally appeared in the October 2008 issue of AAKP Diet Tips & Bits.