Research

Mixed

High adherence to a Mediterranean diet is associated with a 19% reduction in the risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to low adherence.

Adopting a Mediterranean-style eating pattern significantly lowers your risk of type 2 diabetes. Focus on increasing vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, whole grains, and fish, while reducing red meat and processed foods. Use olive oil as your primary fat source. This dietary pattern is more effective than focusing on single nutrients alone.

ModerateSupportsMEDIUM confidence
Greater adherence to a Mediterranean diet is associated with a significant reduction in the risk of diabetes (19%; moderate quality evidence).
Lukas Schwingshackl et al. · Public Health Nutrition · 2014

Why this rating

Moderate quality evidence based on GRADE guidelines; includes cohort studies and one RCT, but heterogeneity exists.

Source

Adherence to a Mediterranean diet and risk of diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Lukas Schwingshackl et al. · Public Health Nutrition · 2014

DOI 10.1017/s1368980014001542

Meta-analysis · 9 studiesCited 339×
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DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10

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