Losing weight is one of the best things you can do to manage type 2 diabetes
The Mayo Clinic Diet puts you in charge of reshaping your body and improving your health — for a lifetime.
- Prevent complications associated with type 2 diabetes
- Reduce the need for diabetes medication
- Improve blood glucose control
- Live a long and healthy life
Mayo Clinic Diet is rated a “Best Diet” for Diabetes by U.S. News & World Report 2023
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The Mayo Clinic Diet helps you lose weight while finding health
Managing diabetes is hard enough. The Mayo Clinic Diet makes it easy for you to lose weight and improve your blood glucose. What to expect:
Lose It! is a two-week quick-start program designed to help you lose up to 6 to 10 pounds in a safe and healthy way
Live it! is a long-term plan in which you continue to lose 1 to 2 pounds a week until you reach your goal
Choose from six carbohydrate-controlled meal plans including Mediterranean, Healthy Keto, Higher Protein, and Vegetarian
All-new Habit Optimizer teaches you how to build and maintain healthy new habits
Learn how to maintain your healthy weight for life
Delicious recipes and helpful grocery lists
Reminders and tracking tools to keep you on track
Food tracker with over 1 million foods
Get Mayo Clinic expert guidance on topics that include behavior change, nutrition, sleep, stress management, and goal setting
All-new digital platform that has helped members lose 3x more weight*
Unlimited access to a members Private Facebook Group
Practical at-home workouts – no equipment required
*Members who complete a 12 Week Program lose 3 times more weight than those who start but don't reach the end. Reference: Hendrie, GA, et al, J Med Internet Res. 2021 Jun; 23(6): e20981.
Meet our trusted health professionals
“If you’re overweight and are at risk of or have type 2 diabetes, there’s nothing more important you can do for your health than lose weight. The Mayo Clinic Diet puts you in charge with a life-changing plan to improve both your weight and your blood sugar.”
Donald D. Hensrud, M.D., diet expert at Mayo Clinic
Meet the expertsLearn how to eat well and enjoy life with diabetes
The Mayo Clinic Diet teaches a common sense, medically-sound approach to making smart decisions about eating — so you can manage your diabetes.
Follow a real food, plants-first eating plan that promotes weight loss and improved health
Choose between six different meal plans including Mediterranean, Higher Protein and The Original Mayo Clinic Diet
Find an eating style that works for you
Forget counting calories or carbohydrates
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Frequently asked questions
Is the Mayo Clinic Diet suitable for diabetes?
Yes, the Mayo Clinic Diet uses the Mayo Clinic Healthy Weight Pyramid and the Mayo Clinic Healthy Dining Table as guides to making smart eating choices to achieve a healthy weight, manage your diabetes and stay well.
Do I have to count calories or carbohydrates?
No, the Mayo Clinic Diet is about making sure you’re getting a balance of the right foods that are right for you. We are not focused on calorie or carbohydrate counting.
Does the program include an exercise plan?
Yes, exercise and physical activity are important lifestyle habits that can improve your diabetes. The program includes practical at-home workouts.
Do I need a doctor’s referral?
No, you do not need a referral from your doctor to join the Mayo Clinic Diet.
Do I still need to see my doctor?
Big changes in diet and exercise and rapid weight loss can sometimes lead to symptoms such as dizziness and fatigue. If you have any health concerns, it is best to talk to your doctor before starting the Mayo Clinic Diet program.
Will the Mayo Clinic Diet program affect my medication?
Even modest weight loss can require changes to the amount or types of medication you take, so it is important to continue working with your doctor and diabetes care team while losing weight.