What dietary modifications should I recommend for patients with type 2 diabetes to improve glycaemic control?

Dietary modifications for patients with type 2 diabetes to improve glycaemic control include:

• Encourage a balanced diet that supports weight management, as overweight and obesity are major contributing factors to insulin resistance and poor glycaemic control. Aim for a healthy body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference targets appropriate to the patient's ethnicity and risk profile.
• Advise reducing overall calorie intake if overweight or obese, focusing on sustainable, gradual weight loss to improve insulin sensitivity.
• Promote a diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and legumes, which provide fibre and have a lower glycaemic impact, helping to moderate blood glucose levels.
• Limit intake of foods high in saturated fats and sugars to reduce cardiovascular risk and improve metabolic control.
• Support patients to make gradual, sustainable changes in their eating habits, incorporating behaviour change techniques such as planning, coping strategies, and understanding the benefits of dietary changes.
• Provide individualised dietary advice sensitive to personal needs, preferences, and cultural factors, ideally delivered by trained healthcare professionals.
• Combine dietary advice with other lifestyle interventions such as increased physical activity to enhance glycaemic control and reduce progression of type 2 diabetes.

These recommendations align with NICE guidance on managing type 2 diabetes and preventing its progression through lifestyle changes, emphasising the importance of weight management and healthy eating patterns to improve blood glucose control ¹,².