Energy-restricted Mediterranean diet lowers diabetes incidence by 31%

A large Spanish study found that adding calorie restriction and regular physical activity to a Mediterranean-style diet substantially lowers the risk of developing type 2 diabetes among older adults who are overweight or have metabolic syndrome. Over six years, participants who followed the energy-restricted Mediterranean plan, with guided exercise and ongoing professional support, experienced about a 31% reduction in diabetes incidence compared with those who followed a Mediterranean diet without calorie limits or structured fitness guidance. The finding comes with real-world implications for how lifestyle changes might curb the global rise in diabetes.

In the trial, roughly 4,700 adults aged 55 to 75, all overweight or obese and exhibiting metabolic syndrome but not diabetes at baseline, were enrolled across multiple centers in Spain. The intervention combined a Mediterranean-style diet with an energy deficit of about 600 calories per day, targeting macronutrient distribution around 35–40% fat, 40–45% carbohydrates, and about 20% protein. Participants also engaged in about 45 minutes of aerobic activity six days a week, plus regular strength, balance, and flexibility work....