Recent
A large European study finds that a calorie-cut Mediterranean diet plus exercise and support lowers type 2 diabetes risk by 31% in high-risk older adults. Small, sustained changes have big public health potential.
October 13, 2025
Source:
ScienceDaily
Study Reveals Impact on Diabetes Prevention
Spanish researchers have announced results from the PREDIMED-Plus trial, the largest nutrition study ever conducted in Europe (ScienceDaily). Nearly 4,750 participants aged 55–75, all overweight or obese and at risk for type 2 diabetes, took part. Over six years, those following a calorie-reduced Mediterranean diet, exercising regularly, and receiving professional support saw their diabetes risk drop by 31% compared to a standard diet group (Harvard Public Health).
Keep up with the story. Subscribe to the PR+ free daily newsletter
Source:
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
How the Intervention Worked
Methods and Key Results
Participants: 4,746 adults with overweight/obesity and metabolic syndrome, but no prior diabetes or cardiovascular disease
Intervention Group: Calorie-reduced Mediterranean diet (600 kcal/day cut), regular moderate exercise (brisk walking, strength, balance), and professional counseling
Control Group: Traditional Mediterranean diet with no calorie restriction or extra support
Follow-Up: Six years
The intervention group averaged a 3.3 kg weight loss and a 3.6 cm waist reduction, compared to negligible changes in the control group. Modest lifestyle shifts proved significant, even when weight loss was not extreme. (Annals of Internal Medicine).
Read More
Source:
Medical Xpress
Expert Reactions and Public Health Implications
Experts from the University of Navarra and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health stress the practical, scalable benefits (European Research Council). Dr. Miguel Ángel Martínez-González said, “Applied at scale, these modest and sustained lifestyle changes could prevent thousands of new diagnoses every year.”
Key Takeaways
Professional support was critical for success and adherence
Quality of lifestyle – not extreme weight loss – mattered most
Potential to prevent three diabetes cases per 100 high-risk individuals annually if widely applied
This evidence supports integrating tailored diet, exercise, and ongoing guidance into public health strategy (ABC News).
How does the Mediterranean diet specifically help in reducing diabetes risk?
The diet improves blood sugar control, reduces inflammation, and helps with weight management, all of which lower diabetes risk.
What are the main components of the calorie-reduced Mediterranean diet?
How did the participants' waist sizes change over the study period?
What types of exercise were recommended in the study?
How does this study compare to other diabetes prevention studies?
Share this news:
