Mediterranean Diet with Exercise and Calorie Control Reduces Diabetes Risk by 31%

Combining the Mediterranean diet with calorie restriction, regular physical activity, and professional weight loss support can significantly cut the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D), according to new findings from the PREDIMED-Plus trial. Published in the Annals of Internal Medicine on August 25, 2025, the study showed that participants who adopted this comprehensive lifestyle approach had a 31% lower risk of developing T2D compared to those following the Mediterranean diet alone.

The six-year study followed 4,746 overweight or obese adults aged 55–75 with metabolic syndrome but no T2D at baseline. The intervention group reduced daily calorie intake by about 600 calories, engaged in moderate exercise like brisk walking, and received structured weight loss support. They also achieved greater weight and waist reductions compared to the control group.

Researchers emphasized that modest, sustained lifestyle changes could help prevent millions of diabetes cases worldwide, highlighting the powerful synergy of diet and activity.

29-08-2025