Preventing Diabetes with the Mediterranean Diet

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New research published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine and featured in TIME Magazine has found simply following a Mediterranean diet may be enough to prevent Type 2 diabetes. The Mediterranean diet, a diet focused on consuming fish, nuts, whole grains, olive oil, and minimal red meats, is often a recommended way of eating for everyone. The 4 year study, which did not focus on physical activity or calorie restrictions, studied the effect a Mediterranean diet had on 3500 elderly adults at risk for heart disease. They did not have diabetes. The participants were assigned to one of three diet groups: Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra virgin olive oil group, Mediterranean diet supplemented with nuts group, and low fat diet control group. (Sifferlin, 2014)

Researchers found that of the 3500 participants, 273 developed diabetes with 101 being participants of the low fat diet control group. Of the Mediterranean diet supplemented with nuts group, 92 participants developed diabetes, while 80 participants in the Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra virgin olive oil group developed diabetes. Additionally, there was not a significant difference of weight loss between the groups. (Sifferlin, 2014)

The research illustrates the impact diet can have on a disease, such as Type 2 diabetes. While it is certainly necessary to incorporate daily physical activity to live a healthy lifestyle, diet may be a larger factor in disease prevention.     


Sifferlin, Alexandra. "How the Mediterranean Diet Alone Can Fight Diabetes." TIME Magazine 6 Jan. 2014. Web. <http://healthland.time.com/2014/01/06/how-the-mediterranean-diet-alone-can-fight-diabetes/>.

SH

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