Key points from article :
A new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine suggests that a Mediterranean-style diet, when paired with calorie reduction, exercise, and professional weight-loss support, can significantly lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes (T2D). Researchers found that this combined lifestyle approach reduced diabetes risk by 31% compared to a Mediterranean diet alone. The study, co-authored by Frank Hu of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, highlights how relatively modest lifestyle adjustments could help prevent millions of cases of T2D worldwide.
The Mediterranean diet has long been linked to improved heart and metabolic health. It emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and healthy fats such as olive oil, with limited red meat and processed foods. While previous studies suggested that this diet alone benefits insulin sensitivity and inflammation, the new findings show that calorie restriction and exercise further amplify its protective effects.
The research drew on data from the PREDIMED-Plus trial, a large-scale clinical study involving 4,746 older adults in Spain who were overweight or obese and had metabolic syndrome but no diabetes at baseline. Participants were divided into two groups: one followed a calorie-reduced Mediterranean diet with exercise and professional support, while the control group followed a standard Mediterranean diet without additional guidance. After six years, the intervention group not only had lower diabetes risk but also lost more weight (3.3 kg vs. 0.6 kg) and reduced their waist size more than the control group.
According to co-author Miguel Martínez-González, these results translate into about three fewer cases of diabetes per 100 people—a meaningful impact on public health. The findings underscore that while the Mediterranean diet is beneficial on its own, pairing it with calorie control, physical activity, and ongoing support makes it a powerful tool in preventing type 2 diabetes, particularly in at-risk populations.
