Particle.news
Download on the App Store
9 ARTICLES
·
2h ago

Mediterranean Diet Plus Calorie Cut and Exercise Lowers Type 2 Diabetes Risk by 31% Over Six Years

A six-year randomized analysis in Spain found the combined program cut diabetes incidence compared with diet alone.

Walking for 45 minutes daily, at least six days a week was a key part of the lifestyle changes that reduced the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Image
The final preparation of a healthy salad and at the end the woman pours olive oil.
Image

Overview

  • The PREDIMED-Plus trial followed 4,746 adults aged 55–75 with overweight or obesity and metabolic syndrome who were free of diabetes at baseline.
  • Participants assigned to an energy-reduced Mediterranean eating plan targeted about 600 fewer calories per day, performed roughly 45 minutes of moderate aerobic activity six days a week with added strength and balance work, and received professional behavioral support.
  • Compared with peers on a Mediterranean diet without calorie restriction or structured activity, the intervention group had a 31% lower incidence of type 2 diabetes over six years.
  • Average weight and waist reductions were modest yet meaningful, with about 3.3 kg lost and 3.6 cm off the waist in the intervention group versus 0.6 kg and 0.3 cm in controls, and investigators noted improvements in body composition and visceral fat as likely contributors.
  • Findings were published August 25, 2025, in Annals of Internal Medicine, and authors emphasized the result reflects incremental benefit over an already healthful diet and may depend on intensive support that could limit broad scalability.