Introduction:

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a global public health issue.

Objective:

To analyze the relationship between T2DM, foods with antidiabetic properties, and sustainable nutrition, highlighting the role of education in the prevention and management of the disease.

Methodology:

A review of 99 studies indexed in PubMed was conducted on hypoglycemic plant-based foods, planetary health diet, and diabetes education.

Results:

Commonly consumed foods with antidiabetic properties, their mechanisms of action, and effective doses were identified. Additionally, evidence showed that the planetary health diet reduces the risk of T2DM and that nutrition education is key to adopting healthy and sustainable habits, considering cultural and economic factors.

Conclusions:

The combination of functional foods, nutritional sustainability, and education can help reduce the burden of T2DM, benefiting both human health and the environment.