Mediterranean Diet Linked to 31% Lower Diabetes Risk, Study Finds

Inside the PREDIMED-Plus Trial

According to НВ — Техно: A major Spanish study, PREDIMED-Plus, has revealed that a Mediterranean diet combined with a daily calorie reduction of 600 kcal and moderate physical activity cuts the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 31%. The six-year trial involved over 200 researchers from 22 institutions across Spain and tracked 4,746 participants aged 55 to 75 who were overweight or obese and had metabolic syndrome, but no history of cardiovascular disease or diabetes. Findings were published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

How the Study Was Designed

Participants were split into two groups. The first group followed a low-calorie Mediterranean diet with professional guidance and a moderate exercise plan, including brisk walking, strength training, and balance exercises. On average, these individuals lost 3.3 kg (about 7.3 pounds) and reduced their waist circumference by 3.6 cm (roughly 1.4 inches). The second group stuck to a traditional Mediterranean diet without calorie restrictions or exercise recommendations, resulting in an average weight loss of just 0.6 kg (1.3 pounds) and a waist reduction of 0.3 cm (0.12 inches).

The Mediterranean diet works synergistically, improving insulin sensitivity and reducing inflammation. With PREDIMED-Plus, we show that pairing calorie control with physical activity amplifies these benefits.

Professor Miguel Ruiz-Canela

Type 2 diabetes currently affects more than 530 million people worldwide, including approximately 4.7 million adults in Spain, over 65 million in Europe, and about 38.5 million in the United States. Professor Martínez-González noted that 'this is a tasty, sustainable, and culturally acceptable approach that offers a practical and effective way to prevent type 2 diabetes-a largely avoidable global disease.'

Ultimately, the PREDIMED-Plus trial underscores the critical role of healthy eating and regular physical activity in preventing type 2 diabetes, a pressing issue in today’s world. These results could guide the development of new dietary and lifestyle recommendations aimed at reducing diabetes rates and improving public health. They also open up fresh opportunities for healthcare professionals working to prevent and manage metabolic diseases.

In addition to dietary changes, advancements in medication are also making headlines in the fight against diabetes. Recent studies highlight how an experimental diabetes treatment shows potential not only for improved blood sugar management but also for weight loss, further emphasizing the multifaceted approach needed to tackle this global health issue.