Scientists have named a way to reduce the risk of diabetes by 31%

The combination of a Mediterranean diet with calorie restriction, regular physical activity and professional support helps reduce the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes by 31%. This is stated in a study published on August 29, 2025 in the journal Science Daily.

Frank Hu, a professor at the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, noted that the world is currently facing a global epidemic of diabetes.

"With the highest level of evidence, our study shows that modest, sustained dietary and lifestyle changes can prevent millions of cases of this disease worldwide," he said.

It is specified that the work was carried out within the framework of the PREDIMED-Plus clinical project, Europe's largest nutrition and lifestyle study. The study involved 4,746 people aged 55 to 75 years with overweight and metabolic syndrome, but without diagnosed diabetes. The participants were divided into two groups: one followed a traditional diet, the second combined it with calorie restriction, moderate physical activity, including walking and strength exercises, and received the help of weight loss specialists.

During the six years of follow-up, it became clear that in the group with the integrated approach, the risk of the disease decreased by almost a third compared with the control group. In addition, the participants in this group lost an average of 3.3 kg and reduced their waist circumference by 3.6 cm, while in the second group the changes were 0.6 kg and 0.3 cm, respectively.

Miguel Martinez-Gonzalez, Professor at the University of Navarre and associate Professor at the Harvard Chan School, emphasized the significance of the results.

"In practice, adding calorie control and physical activity to the Mediterranean diet prevented the development of diabetes in about three out of every 100 people — a clear, tangible benefit to public health," he said.

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On August 18, endocrinologist and nutritionist Armine Afonina warned that wheat bread and rice can increase blood sugar. Among such products, the doctor also identified mashed potatoes, small pasta, canned beans and corn, instant cereals, semolina, couscous, sweet muffins, cornflakes, popcorn, waffles, chips, as well as boiled beets, carrots and pumpkins. Dried fruits also belong to this list, despite their natural origin.

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