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Whole grains: Good for diabetes prevention?

Can whole grains help prevent diabetes?

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Mayo Clinic endocrinologist Maria Collazo-Clavell, M.D., and colleagues answer select questions from readers.

Answer

Whole grains are an important part of a healthy diet. Better yet, whole grains may help prevent type 2 diabetes. In a 2007 analysis of six separate studies, eating an additional two servings of whole grains a day was linked to a 21 percent lower risk of diabetes. In another study, the risk of type 2 diabetes was about 35 percent lower for participants who ate the most whole grains compared with those who ate the least whole grains. As a general rule, try to make at least half your grains whole grains. It might be easier than you think! Simply choose breads, pasta products and ready-to-eat cereals that list the word "whole" on the package and in the ingredient list. Make sure whole grains appear among the first items listed.

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Jul 5, 2008