the new approach to the association between healthy dietary patterns and diabetes mellitus based on evidence

background: the growing number of people with diabetes mellitus and its complications shows the need to focus on ways to control diabetes mellitus through improving lifestyle, dietary patterns and physical activity. this systematic review assesses the effects of healthy dietary patterns on managing hyperglycemia, insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus type 2. methods: the main keywords used in this study were: healthy dietary pattern, prudent, mediterranean, dash (dietary approach to stop hypertension), diabetes mellitus, insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. the search was performed in isi, cochrane central register of controlled trials databases, pubmed, iran medex and magiran. journals, e-books, seminars, symposiums and articles (prospective cohort studies, randomized clinical trials and cross sectional studies) which were published during 1992 to 2011 were reviewed. the materials were selected based on the title, abstract and full text. findings: dietary patterns rich in whole grains, nuts, seeds, vegetables, fruits and in general high-fiber foods and white meat sources, containing less red and processed meat and less refined grains had a protective role in controlling hyperglycemia. healthy, mediterranean, prudent or dash dietary patterns were associated with lower risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus. conclusion: following healthy dietary patterns rich in fiber and unprocessed foods lowers the probability of insulin resistance, hyperglycemia and risk of type 2diabetes.