Diabetes: the key to prevention is “smart” carbohydrates and fiber – MDOSZ has published a fresh summary

The The National Association of Hungarian Dietitians Academy of Nutrition newsletter of January 2026 draws attention to the fact that type 2 diabetes The development of diabetes is often preceded by a prediabetes phase lasting for years, so early recognition and personalized nutritional therapy are key issues. The newsletter also summarizes the diagnostic thresholds (e.g. repeated fasting blood sugar >7 mmol/l or repeated HbA1c ≥6.5%) and emphasizes that fingertip measurement is not suitable for making a diagnosis.

What is the recommended diet? The publication provides practical, “everyday” guidelines: at least 5 servings of vegetables and fruits per day (3–4 servings of vegetables), avoiding sugary drinks, limiting refined grains and ultra-processed foods, and preferring foods with higher fiber content. The desired fiber intake is at least 14 g/1000 kcal, and to achieve 25–30 g per day, dry legumes, regular consumption of vegetables and fruits, and oil seeds are recommended 2–3 times a week.

The newsletter also calls the recommendation of the Smart Plate a usable “baseline” and discusses the Mediterranean-style diet (e.g. extra virgin olive oil, nuts, sea fish) as a pattern that reduces cardiometabolic risks.

Why is it interesting for retail and FMCG? The focus of dietitian recommendations – reducing sugary drinks, increasing fiber, whole grains, legumes, “nutrient-dense” snacks (e.g. natural yogurt, oilseeds) – directly affects product development and category management decisions. The newsletter also specifically indicates: sweeteners are spreading, but they are basically for “coloring”, recommended in moderation, and the “whole diet” counts, not a single “magic nutrient”.

(Source: MDOSZ Academy of Nutrition, Vol. 19, No. 1, manuscript closed on January 28, 2026.)