A Mediterranean-type diet—a food regimen based on pasta, lentils, peas, beans and nuts—is more effective in lowering blood sugar and the risk of heart disease among diabetics than a diet high in cereal and fiber, according to researchers at St. Michael’s Hospital and the University of Toronto in Canada.

The study shows that carbohydrates in low-glycemic foods—types of foods found in the Mediterranean diet—are absorbed through the small intestine and converted to blood sugar at a slower rate than high glycemic foods—bread, rice, cereal and baked goods—making blood sugar more stable.  

Estimates indicate that 3.7 million African Americans suffer from diabetes. Furthermore, studies suggest that blacks are twice as likely as whites to develop the disease. Finally, diabetes can be dangerous and even life-threatening.

Learn more about diabetes here.
Learn how to incorporate more low-glycemic foods into your diet here.