Managing Diabetes:

The Mediterranean Way

What is Type 2 Diabetes

-Type 2 diabetes is one of many diabetes-related diseases

-Type 2 diabetes is a result of two malfunctions:

1. Insulin resistance
2. Beta cell failure (due to insulin deficiency)

Not to be confused with type 1 diabetes (based on beta cell

destruction due to genetics)
Type 2 Diabetes pathophysiology
● Insulin is the hormone that signals to the body to use glucose
● Malfunction of insulin leads to excess sugar in the bloodstream
● Insulin concentration can range from low to high, but it will never be adequate
enough to overcome insulin resistance
● Cell insulin resistance eventually leads to hyperglycemia (too high sugar
concentration in blood)
● Hyperglycemia leads to further reduced insulin sensitivity and secretion from
the pancreas
Prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes

● > 34 million Americans have diabetes

● 90-95% have Type 2 Diabetes
● Most often develops in people over age 45
● More children, teens, & young adults develop it
Symptoms & Risk Factors
● Often develop over several years and can go on for a long time without being
noticed
● Common symptoms for Diabetes: Common Risk Factors:

➔ Have prediabetes
➔ Are overweight
➔ Are 45 years or older
➔ Have a parent, brother, or
sister with type 2 diabetes
➔ Are physically active less than
3 times a week
Treatments for Type 2 Diabetes

● Antidiabetic medications, insulin, and statins can be prescribed

● Physical exercise is recommended
● Certain diets can be recommended, such as the Mediterranean diet
 What is the Mediterranean diet?

The Mediterranean diet is a way of eating that consists largely of vegetables,

fruits, nuts, beans, cereals, legumes, grains, fish, and healthy fats (unsaturated).
How can the Mediterranean diet
help with Type 2 Diabetes

- Mediterranean diet limits the amount of added sugars

- Focuses on healthy fats and lean proteins
- Colorful diet rich in essential nutrients from fruits and veggies

In numerous studies, eating a Mediterranean diet has been

shown to lower blood sugar!
How to Incorporate the Mediterranean diet

There are many healthy habits you can incorporate from a Mediterranean diet

Try adding more whole grains

Eat more whole fruits and vegetables

Center some of your meals around fish or plant proteins

Swap in healthy fats

 End Credits
Video created by: Yutong Yi, Esteban Solis, Mara McKee, Katie Kleinert, &
Madeline Vaughan