The invention provides for a diet that significantly reduces the glycohemoglobin levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes. A diet plan can be provided to an individual in the form of cards and/or pages with an appropriate meal plan, food items and/or pre-packaged meals, or in an electronic medium for the individuals to use to develop appropriate meal plans. The diet comprises food items having a nutritional composition that consists essentially of 30% protein, 50% fats, and 20% carbohydrates, or food items having a nutritional composition that consists essentially of 30% protein, 40% fats, and 30% carbohydrates.