Scientists named a way to reduce diabetes risk by 31%

Research published in Science Daily has shown that a combined approach to a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes - by an impressive 31%.

Professor Frank Hu from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health raises the alarm: "Currently, the world is facing a global diabetes epidemic. With the highest level of evidence, our research shows that modest, sustainable changes in diet and lifestyle can prevent millions of cases of this disease worldwide."

The large-scale study was conducted as part of the PREDIMED-Plus clinical project - the largest nutrition and lifestyle study in Europe. Scientists observed 4,746 participants aged 55 to 75 who were overweight and had metabolic syndrome, but without diagnosed diabetes.

Participants were divided into two groups:

- The first followed a traditional Mediterranean diet

- The second applied a comprehensive approach: Mediterranean diet with calorie restriction, moderate physical activity (walking and strength exercises), and professional support from weight loss specialists

The results of the six-year observation are impressive: in the group with the comprehensive approach, the risk of disease decreased by almost a third. Additionally, participants in this group lost an average of 3.3 kg and reduced their waist circumference by 3.6 cm, while in the control group, the changes were only 0.6 kg and 0.3 cm respectively.

Professor at the University of Navarra and adjunct professor at the Harvard Chan School, Miguel Martinez-Gonzalez emphasized the practical significance of the discovery: "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 for public health."