 [ Symptoms ] what sort of diet should i follow if i have type 2 diabetes and i am overweight [ Disease ] experts from the joslin diabetes center issued guidelines directed at those with type 2 diabetes who are overweight or obese    about 80 of those with type 2 diabetes those guidelines suggest fewer carbohydrates and a slight boost in protein about 40 of calories from carbohydrates about 30 from protein about 30 from fat fewer carbohydrates and slightly more protein helps people with type 2 diabetes drop unhealthy weight and control their diabetes says osama hamdy md phd medical director of the obesity clinic and program joslin diabetes center boston any diet for a type 2 diabetic who is overweight should be a weight reduction diet  hamdy says modest losses of a pound every one or two weeks achieved by reducing daily calories by 250 to 500 is recommended for those who are overweight he says