Mediterranean Diet Combined With Lifestyle Changes May Lower Diabetes Risk By 31 Percent: Study Shows
A Mediterranean-style diet, when paired with calorie restriction, moderate physical activity, and professional weight loss support, can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D) by 31%, according to a new study set to be published on August 25, 2025, in the Annals of Internal Medicine. The findings come from the PREDIMED-Plus clinical trial—the largest nutrition and lifestyle trial ever conducted in Europe—and were co-authored by researchers from 23 Spanish universities and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
The study focused on understanding whether additional healthy lifestyle changes could amplify the benefits of the Mediterranean diet, which is already associated with a lower risk of T2D due to improved insulin sensitivity and reduced inflammation
In the trial, 4,746 participants aged 55 to 75, all overweight or obese and diagnosed with metabolic syndrome but free from T2D at the start, were randomly assigned to two groups. The intervention group followed a calorie-restricted Mediterranean diet, cutting about 600 calories daily, engaged in regular moderate physical activity—including brisk walking and strength exercises—and received professional guidance on weight management. The control group adhered to the Mediterranean diet without any restrictions, exercise plans, or additional support.
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