My colleagues recently published a great article on management of diabetes mellitus - I share some highlights of their work in this article. Diabetes is on the rise worldwide, affecting millions of adults and placing a heavy burden on health systems and personal finances. But new research led by Ghanaian dietitians offers a ray of hope, positioning personalised diet therapy as an approach that is both effective and affordable.

What is diabetes mellitus?

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition where the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar (glucose). In type 2 diabetes (most common form) the body either does not produce enough insulin or cannot use it effectively. This causes high blood sugar levels which over time can damage the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves.

Managing type 2 diabetes usually involves a combination of medication, healthy eating, physical activity, and lifestyle adjustments. Among these, diet plays a central role not just in controlling blood sugar, but also in improving overall health. That is where diet therapy comes in.

A study with eye-opening results

A recent study (see reference) followed adults living with type 2 diabetes over three months. Half the participants received personalised dietary counselling from a qualified dietitian alongside their usual medical care. The other half received standard treatment without dietary guidance. The results were revelatory. Those who received diet therapy saw:

• Lower body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage, and visceral fat (the fat found around the body organs)
• Reduced systolic blood pressure (the upper number in reading blood pressure).
• Better fasting blood glucose and HbA1c (long-term blood sugar control)
• Improved vitamin A intake from increased vegetable consumption

The benefits of diet therapy

The beauty of diet therapy is that it is cost-effective, adaptable, and sustainable. It also works with locally available foods, making it easy to adapt across cultures. The diet therapy plans that participants in the study followed emphasized the following;

• Low glycaemic index foods (foods that do not sharply increase blood glucose) to avoid blood sugar spikes
• Portion control to prevent overeating
• Whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats
• Limiting saturated and trans fats
• Seasonal fruits and vegetables for natural antioxidants
• Regular check-ins with a dietitian allowed participants to adjust their plans and stay motivated; one of the keys to lasting success.

The takeaway

No matter where you live, the journey to better diabetes control can start on your plate with the right guidance. Your health is worth the investment. If you are living with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, do not guess your way through food choices. Seek help from a qualified dietitian who can create a personalised meal plan that fits your lifestyle, budget, and cultural preferences while helping you achieve healthier blood sugar, weight, and overall wellbeing. The right food choices, guided by expert advice, could be the most powerful prescription you will ever follow. If you are managing any of the diet-related lifestyle conditions on medications alone and have never been referred to a dietitian, speak to your doctor and get a referral. Kudos to my colleagues for getting this very important work published!

Reference

Appiah, C. A., Wugah, H., Carboo, J. A., Amoako, M., Wiafe, M. A., & Hayford, F. E. A. (2025). Diet Therapy Improves Body Composition, Blood Pressure and Glycemic Status in Individuals Living with Type 2 Diabetes: A Prospective Cohort Study. Obesities, 5(3), 56.

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Written by Dr. Laurene Boateng (PhD, RD)
Dr. Laurene Boateng is a Registered Dietitian and Senior Lecturer in the Department of Dietetics, University of Ghana. She is the founder and editor-in-chief of Full Proof Nutrition, a Nutrition Consultancy committed to providing reliable, evidence-based, and practical healthy eating advice through its website www.fullproofnutrition.com.  Click here to join Full Proof Nutrition WhatsApp channel to receive more educative content. Send us a mail on fullproofnutrition@gmail.com