Tuba SERT, Gamze ŞANLI AK
Journal of Surgery and Medicine - 2026;10(5):151-154
Background/Aim: Type 2 diabetes is a major global metabolic disorder, and nutritional exposure is central to both prevention and long-term glycemic management. This systematic review evaluated the effects of dietary patterns, macronutrient composition, fiber intake, protein source, and lifestyle-based nutritional interventions on type 2 diabetes risk and management. Methods: A literature search was performed in Google Scholar, Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library on August 27, 2025. The search used combinations of type 2 diabetes, nutrition, diet, dietary patterns, glycemic control, prevention, and management. English-language studies published between 2015 and 2025 were screened. Randomized trials, cohort studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses were considered eligible. Studies not directly related to type 2 diabetes or nutrition were excluded. Eligible evidence was synthesized narratively. Results: A total of 1,200 records were initially identified, and 40 studies were included after screening and eligibility assessment. Mediterranean, plant-based, and fiber-rich dietary patterns were consistently associated with improved glycemic control, lower cardiometabolic risk, and reduced type 2 diabetes risk. Low-carbohydrate diets showed short-term benefits for hemoglobin A1c and body weight, although long-term sustainability and safety remained uncertain. Protein quality, particularly the balance between plant and animal protein sources, also appeared relevant to insulin resistance and metabolic outcomes. Lifestyle-based and digital interventions enhanced adherence but showed variable durability. Conclusion: Nutrition is a cornerstone of type 2 diabetes prevention and management. Current evidence favors individualized, sustainable dietary strategies emphasizing overall diet quality, fiber-rich foods, plant-forward patterns, and integration with behavioral support rather than reliance on a single universal diet model.
