Scientists found a smarter Mediterranean diet that cuts diabetes risk by 31%

"Eating a Mediterranean-style diet with fewer calories, adding moderate physical activity, and receiving professional guidance for weight management can lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 31%. That is the key finding of PREDIMED-Plus, a large clinical trial led in Spain by the University of Navarra together with more than 200 researchers from 22 universities, hospitals, and research institutes. The project was carried out in over 100 primary care centers within Spain's National Health System."

"The study, published in Annals of Internal Medicine, followed 4,746 adults between the ages of 55 and 75 who were overweight or obese and had metabolic syndrome but no prior history of cardiovascular disease or diabetes. Over six years, researchers compared two groups. One group adopted a calorie-reduced Mediterranean diet (about 600 fewer kilocalories per day), engaged in moderate exercise such as brisk walking and strength and balance training, and received professional counseling."

PREDIMED-Plus enrolled 4,746 adults aged 55–75 who were overweight or obese with metabolic syndrome and no prior cardiovascular disease or diabetes. Participants were randomized to either a calorie-reduced Mediterranean diet (about 600 fewer kilocalories per day) combined with moderate physical activity and professional weight-loss counseling, or to a traditional Mediterranean diet without calorie limits or exercise advice. Over six years, the intervention reduced the incidence of type 2 diabetes by 31%. The trial was implemented across over 100 primary care centers in Spain and received major funding from ISCIII, CIBER divisions, and ERC grants.

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