A study published in Nature Medicine reports that a modified DASH diet, known as DASH for Diabetes(DASH4D), improved blood glucose control in adults with type 2 diabetes. The DASH diet, originally developed to help reduce high blood pressure, emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products, while limiting saturated fats and added sugars.

The DASH4D plan adjusted the traditional DASH diet by reducing carbohydrate intake to about 45% of daily calories, lowering potassium levels to protect kidney health, and increasing unsaturated fats. In a clinical trial of 89 adults with type 2 diabetes, participants spent more time with blood glucose levels in the recommended range. They had lower mean glucose levels—approximately 11 mg/dL lower on average—when following the DASH4D diet compared to a typical American diet.

Those with the highest glucose levels at the start of the study saw the greatest improvement, spending two to three more hours per day in the optimal range. The findings contribute to the evidence supporting DASH-based diets for improving health outcomes in individuals with diabetes.

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Read more: NIH Research Matters – DASH-Style Diet Helps Control Blood Glucose