ABSTRACT
There are a number of aspects to an “integrative approach” to help persons with Type 2 diabetes control blood sugar levels, and enhance overall health. This book looks especially at nutrition in this chapter, and at “functional foods,” and botanicals (herbals), and other supplements in subsequent chapters.
There is an abundance of books, magazine article, and websites that offer diet plans for persons with Type 2 diabetes. The problem with many of them is that, although they are probably quite effective, compliance with their requirements is often difficult and, in some instances, expensive. This chapter proposes a simple solution: the Mediterranean Diet plan. That diet plan has many desirable features: it has been scientifically proven to help lower blood pressure and undesirable blood lipids, while raising beneficial ones. It is a low AGEs nutrition plan that also helps to prevent Metabolic Syndrome. It also promotes activation of Sirtuin 1, thus improving glycemia in Type 2 diabetes, and it is a rich source of NO-donor nitrates that promote healthy endothelium.
