Dutch dietary guidelines for people with type 2 diabetes

In the Netherlands, more than one million people have type 2 diabetes. The Health Council investigated whether the Dutch dietary guidelines are also suitable for this group. It has now concluded that scientific research on nutrition in people with type 2 diabetes gives no reason to modify one or more of these guidelines.

A large proportion of people with type 2 diabetes are overweight or obese. Losing weight and keeping the weight off are particularly important for these people. The Dutch dietary guidelines can be followed as part of a broader approach aimed at weight loss that also addresses other lifestyle factors, such as making sure to get plenty of exercise.
Carbohydrate-restricted diets have a short-term beneficial effect on body weight and blood sugar levels compared to other dietary patterns, but such differences are not detected any more after one year. Hardly any long-term research has been done on this topic. Reducing the intake of unhealthy carbohydrate-rich foods, such as sugar-containing beverages and refined cereal products, is recommended in the Dutch dietary guidelines. The council stresses the importance of these recommendations for people with type 2 diabetes. It also wishes to highlight that when making dietary changes, including restricting carbohydrates, it is important that the intake of essential nutrients is not compromised.