By David Liu, PHD

Saturday Feb 16, 2013 (foodconsumer.org) -- Marjan Bazhan and colleagues recently published a review in Journal of Paramedical Sciences suggesting certain foods can affect the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

According to the authors, the foods or dietary factors that can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus include foods with saturated fat, high trans fat, hydrogenated oils, and or margarines, high fat dairy products, meat and meat products, eggs, and sugar-sweetened beverages.   Western diet and high glycemic index diets are generally linked to high risk of type 2 diabetes.

On the other hand, foods that may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus include foods with high fiber, unsaturated fatty acids, antioxidants, magnesium, and or chromium, whole grains, pulses, fruit and vegetables, low fat dairy products, nuts, coffee and tea.   Prudent diet, Mediterranean diet, and low glycemic index diets are generally associated with reduced risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Studies also found that moderate physical activity may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus, according to the review.

Other studies that are not cited in the review have suggested that cinnamon, curcumin and bitter melon when consumed in high doses are very effective at reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus.