More than one-third of U.S. adults have a heightened risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. But they may be able to eat their way out of the danger by indulging in two of our favorite foods: dark chocolate and fatty fish such as salmon.

Two recent studies reveal the potential power of these tasty treats. Canadian researchers enlisted volunteers at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes because of elevated LDL cholesterol levels. (Excess bad cholesterol causes inflammation of body fat, which can lead to blood sugar abnormalities.)

For 12 weeks, the participants took 2.7 grams of EPA-DHA fish oil. (You can get 2.4 grams of these omega-3s in 6 ounces of Atlantic salmon.) And voila, their risk factors for Type 2 decreased.

The omega-3s tamped down elevated LDL cholesterol’s ability to inflame adipose tissue (fat) and helped reverse harmful changes in carbohydrate and fat metabolism associated with developing Type 2 diabetes.

In addition, a study in BMJ reveals that eating five or more servings a week of dark chocolate is associated with a 21% reduced risk for Type 2 diabetes — and there was no long-term association with weight gain.

Other ways to reduce your risk include 300-plus minutes of physical activity weekly, eating a plant-based diet free of highly processed foods and red and processed meats, and maintaining a healthy weight.

For more help dodging Type 2 diabetes, discover recipes in Dr. Mike's "What to Eat When Cookbook," and our book "YOU: Staying Young: An Owner's Manual to Looking Good and Feeling Great."