Friday Dc 13, 2013 (foodconsumer.org) -- Eating fruits, particularly berries may prevent type 2 diabetes mellitus, a study in American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests.

The study led by Jaakko Mursu from University of Eastern Finland in Kuopio, Finland and colleagues shows that men eating highest amounts of berries were 35% less likely to develop type 2 diabetes mellitus.

The study was based on data from 2332 men aged 42 to 60 years who were free of type 2 diabetes mellitus at baseline and enrolled in the prospective Kuopio Ischemic Heart Disease Risk Factor Study.

On the other hand, the study did not find an association between type 2 diabetes mellitus risk and consumption of fruit, fruit and berry juices, and vegetables.

Previous studies found high intake of fruit, berries and vegetables associated with reduced risk of diabetes mellitus type 2. But not all studies were consistent.

For the current study, participants were followed up for 19.3 years during 432 cases of type 2 diabetes were recorded.  And it was found that men  in highest quartile of total intake of fruit, berries, and vegetables were at 24% reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, compared with those in the lowest quartile.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a serious health conditions.  Good new is that the disease can be completely prevented by following an adequate diet and lifestyle.  For instance, taking 6 grams of curcumin per day can prevent the disease, according to an Indian study.  Using a calorie restricted diet is also known to help treat type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes risk can be boosted by following a high fat and high sugar diet, which is typical in the West.  Both trans fat and saturated are implicated in the pathology of type 2 diabetes mellitus. (David Liu, PHD)