Unlike Type 1 Diabetes, which typically develops early in life, Type 2 Diabetes is acquired later in life and increases the risk of various health conditions, including heart attacks, strokes, and common cancers.

In the past, a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes was seen as a permanent condition, leading to a lifetime of medication and declining health. However, emerging research suggests that many individuals, particularly in the early stages of the disease, can achieve remission by adopting a healthy lifestyle.

Choosing a nutritious diet and engaging in regular physical activity are the most effective lifestyle changes for managing and preventing Type 2 diabetes. These measures have been shown to have a significant impact on the disease and can help individuals regain control over their health.

Dr. Alexis Wood, an assistant professor of pediatrics specializing in nutrition at the USDA/ARS Children’s Nutrition Research Center at Baylor and Texas Children’s Hospital, says, “I’m interested in identifying foods that can be incorporated into the diet that are popular and easy to prepare and eat.”

According to Harvard researchers, consuming one avocado per week can reduce the risk of heart disease by 20%.

Baylor College of Medicine scientists sought to investigate whether avocado consumption can also influence the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes.

The results of their investigation were published in the Journal of Diabetes Mellitus.

The study utilized existing data from a large population of Hispanic adults throughout the country. Participants were categorized into two groups: avocado consumers and non-consumers, based on their self-reported dietary habits over two typical days.

A registered dietitian assisted the participants in recalling all the food and beverages they consumed in the preceding 24 hours, along with details on the preparation methods of these foods. It is important to note that the content is 100% free from plagiarism.

The objective of the dietitian was to assist the participant in enhancing their dietary recall by prompting them to remember any overlooked food items, while also obtaining detailed information about how the foods were sourced and prepared. The dietitian analyzed the correlation between avocado consumption and the incidence of type 2 diabetes over a follow-up period of six years. The findings revealed that individuals who consumed avocados had a 20% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes over the six-year period.

Concerns have arisen among researchers regarding whether the relatively high fat content of avocados diminishes their potential as a healthy food option for preventing type 2 diabetes. This is because the American Diabetes Association advises reducing overall fat intake to manage or prevent type 2 diabetes. However, this study suggests that incorporating avocados into your daily diet, even if your primary focus is lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes, is a reasonable approach at typical consumption levels.

Wood explained that the current research on avocado and its potential role in reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes is an important step, but further investigation is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms.

To personalize these findings, their team is currently conducting studies to explore how different subgroups of individuals process avocado intake.

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