A fish diet rather than any other type of diet appears to be associated with the greatest reduction in the risk of developing type 2 diabetes

A fish diet appears to be the best way of reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in comparison to either a poultry, meat-based or even a vegetarian diet. This was the conclusion of an analysis of the UK Biobank by researchers from the UK, Thailand and Chile.

Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder that results in hyperglycaemia and is a global health concern. One estimate from 2017 suggested that approximately 462 million individuals were affected (6.28% of the world’s population), leading to 1 million deaths per year. Many cases of type 2 diabetes could potentially be prevented by lifestyle changes, including maintaining a healthy body weight, consuming a healthy diet, staying physically active, not smoking and drinking alcohol in moderation.  In fact, a 2017 systemic review identified how the risk of diabetes is reduced by increased consumption of whole grains, fruits and dairy, but that the risk is increased by greater consumption of red meat, processed meat and sugar sweetened beverages. However, there is some uncertainty over whether any specific type of eating pattern e.g., fish diet, poultry or vegetarianism, has a greater impact on the risk of developing diabetes.