Topic: Health

A new study found that a modified Mediterranean diet, with fewer calories and more exercise, reduced type 2 diabetes risk by 31%. The study involved over 4,700 adults in Spain.

This famous diet is known for its heart and metabolic benefits. But scientists wanted to see if it could work even better against type 2 diabetes when combined with three simple changes: eating fewer calories, moving more, and getting professional support for weight loss.

The PREDIMED-Plus trial found that this modified Mediterranean lifestyle plan reduced the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 31%. The study involved over 4,700 adults in Spain between ages 55 and 75. All participants had overweight or obesity and metabolic syndrome, but none had diabetes or cardiovascular disease at the start.

The researchers followed participants for six years to see if a more intensive Mediterranean-based lifestyle plan could offer stronger protection against type 2 diabetes than the traditional Mediterranean diet alone. One group followed a calorie-reduced Mediterranean diet (about 600 kcal fewer per day), added moderate physical activity, and received professional guidance. The comparison group followed a traditional Mediterranean diet without calorie restriction or exercise advice.

The results were striking: participants in the intervention group were 31% less likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those in the comparison group. They also lost more weight and reduced abdominal fat more effectively.

Why It Matters

This study matters because type 2 diabetes is a growing global health crisis, affecting hundreds of millions of people worldwide. By showing that simple lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the risk of developing this condition, scientists hope to inspire widespread adoption of these habits.

Key Facts

• The modified Mediterranean diet reduced type 2 diabetes risk by 31%
• The study involved over 4,700 adults in Spain between ages 55 and 75
• Participants had overweight or obesity and metabolic syndrome, but none had diabetes or cardiovascular disease at the start
• The intervention group lost an average of 3.3 kg and reduced waist circumference by 3.6 cm
• The study found that the program prevented about three cases of type 2 diabetes for every 100 participants

Key Terms

Mediterranean diet

A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, often associated with a lower risk of chronic diseases

Implications

This study matters because type 2 diabetes is a growing global health crisis, affecting hundreds of millions of people worldwide. By showing that simple lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the risk of developing this condition, scientists hope to inspire widespread adoption of these habits.