Combining Mediterranean Diet, Calorie Reduction, and Exercise Could Lower Type 2 Diabetes Risk

A recent study suggests that adopting a Mediterranean-style diet alongside caloric restriction and regular physical activity can significantly decrease the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes. Conducted by researchers from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and multiple Spanish universities, the study tracked over 4,700 adults aged 55 to 75 who were overweight or obese and had metabolic syndrome but did not have diabetes at the start.

Participants in the intervention group followed a Mediterranean diet plan, reduced their daily caloric intake by approximately 600 calories, and engaged in moderate exercise such as brisk walking and strength training, with professional support to aid weight loss. Meanwhile, the control group maintained a standard Mediterranean diet without specific calorie or activity guidance. Over six years, those in the intervention group experienced a 31% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to the control group.

Beyond the reduced disease risk, the intervention group also saw average weight loss of 3.3 kilograms and a waist circumference decrease of 3.6 centimeters, whereas the control group experienced minimal changes. The findings highlight that modest but sustained lifestyle modifications can have a profound impact on health, emphasizing the importance of diet, exercise, and professional support in disease prevention.

The research, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, underscores the potential for public health strategies to incorporate these interventions to curb the growing diabetes epidemic. Co-author Miguel Martínez-González from the University of Navarra notes that implementing calorie control and physical activity alongside a healthy diet can prevent approximately three out of every 100 individuals from developing diabetes, offering a clear benefit for population health.

This study adds to existing evidence that high intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins, combined with lifestyle adjustments, can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce inflammation, further lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08-mediterranean-diet-combined-calorie-reduction.html