Best Diabetes Diets

Diet is a crucial tool for managing diabetes, and weight loss can help people who are overweight prevent type 2 diabetes. The experts who rated the 25 diets below evaluated each one on its ability to both prevent and manage diabetes. The Biggest Loser diet and the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), an eating plan endorsed by the government, came out on top.

#1

Biggest Loser Diet

(3.6 out of 5.0)

The plan, which revolves around healthy eating and exercise, tied for the top position as a diet for managing or preventing diabetes. The approach is generally viewed as an ideal eating pattern for both.

Did this diet work for you?
Yes 132
No 225
#1

DASH Diet

(3.6 out of 5.0)

Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, or DASH, edged out several other diets as a diabetes weapon, in the judgment of our expert panelists. Its emphasis on whole grains, fruits, and veggies matches the sort of nutritional prescription that diabetics frequently hear their doctors recommend.

Did this diet work for you?
Yes 499
No 1401
#3

Mayo Clinic Diet

(3.5 out of 5.0)

The diet’s eating guidelines and fitness advice are a compelling combination for preventing or controlling diabetes. Its focus is on coaching dieters to develop healthy, lasting habits around which foods they choose to eat and which to avoid.

Did this diet work for you?
Yes 154
No 949
#3

Ornish Diet

(3.5 out of 5.0)

The Ornish diet is a good option for preventing or controlling diabetes, experts concluded. It’s low in saturated fat and cholesterol, which matches the guidelines of the American Diabetes Association, and it has been found to lower A1C level in diabetics, a positive signal of better control over blood sugar.

Did this diet work for you?
Yes 238
No 1149
#3

Vegan Diet

(3.5 out of 5.0)

As a diet for combating diabetes, veganism tied with the Ornish and Mayo Clinic diets. Some experts said the vegan diet is a smart option for managing diabetes. It could also help prevent the condition, since it helps dieters drop pounds—and being overweight is one of the greatest risk factors for developing diabetes.

Did this diet work for you?
Yes 15780
No 1750
#6

Mediterranean Diet

(3.4 out of 5.0)

Experts gave this diet relatively high marks when it comes to preventing or controlling diabetes. Research suggests a healthy Mediterranean-style diet can reverse the metabolic syndrome, a group of risk factors that can lead to diabetes.

Did this diet work for you?
Yes 378
No 1152
#6

Vegetarian Diet

(3.4 out of 5.0)

On the whole, experts think the vegetarian diet has real ability to help prevent or control diabetes. Followed right, the diet emphasizes many of the foods Americans should eat to maintain a healthy, disease-free lifestyle.

Did this diet work for you?
Yes 17983
No 3092
#6

Volumetrics Diet

(3.4 out of 5.0)

The diet has the potential to prevent or control diabetes, according to the experts. Being overweight is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes, and Volumetrics can help you lose weight and keep it off, tilting the odds in your favor.

Did this diet work for you?
Yes 112
No 1006
#9

Slim-Fast Diet

(3.2 out of 5.0)

Our expert panel put Slim-Fast near the middle of the pack when looking for a diet to counter diabetes. To the extent it helps dieters drop pounds, as evidence suggests it does, it should improve the health of diabetics and those at risk of developing diabetes.

Did this diet work for you?
Yes 300
No 2443
#9

TLC Diet

(3.2 out of 5.0)

There is no strong evidence that following the Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLC) diet will help prevent or control diabetes, but the experts felt that it could have a positive effect. Their ratings put it in a tie with Slim-Fast.

Did this diet work for you?
Yes 122
No 870

1 2 3>

Diet Rankings

Best Diets Overall
Diets ranked by across-the-board effectiveness.

Best Weight-Loss Diets
Diets ranked by effectiveness for both quick and lasting weight loss.

Best Heart-Healthy Diets
Diets that lower cholesterol, blood pressure, or triglycerides.

Best Diets for Healthy Eating
Diets ranked by how safe and nutritionally complete they are.

Easiest Diets to Follow
Diets ranked on whether they're a snap to stick to.

Best Commercial Diet Plans
Brand-name diets ranked by overall effectiveness.

Advertisement
Featured Videos
What Is Diabetes?

Diabetes, if unchecked, can lead to very serious conditions such as kidney problems and blindness.

Weight Loss Tips

Put your kitchen on a diet before starting your own weight loss plan.

Protect Your Vision

Learn how we see and how to protect your sight.

Related Diet Articles