Monday, 13 October 2025

Scientists found a smarter Mediterranean diet that cuts diabetes risk by 31%

From sciencedaily.com

SUMMARY

Spanish researchers found that combining a calorie-reduced Mediterranean diet with exercise and professional support cut type 2 diabetes risk by 31%. Participants also lost weight and reduced waist size, proving that small, consistent lifestyle shifts can yield major health gains. Experts say this realistic approach could be integrated globally to tackle diabetes and obesity epidemics.

Eating a Mediterranean-style diet with fewer calories, adding moderate physical activity, and receiving professional guidance for weight management can lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 31%. That is the key finding of PREDIMED-Plus, a large clinical trial led in Spain by the University of Navarra together with more than 200 researchers from 22 universities, hospitals, and research institutes. The project was carried out in over 100 primary care centres within Spain's National Health System.

Launched in 2013 after the University of Navarra received an Advanced Grant of over €2 million from the European Research Council (ERC), PREDIMED-Plus is the largest nutrition trial ever conducted in Europe. Between 2014 and 2016, additional institutions joined the effort, bringing total funding above 15 million euros. Most of the support came from the Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII) and the Center for Biomedical Research Network (CIBER), through its divisions on Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBEROBN), Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), and Diabetes and Associated Metabolic Diseases (CIBERDEM).

The study, published in Annals of Internal Medicine, followed 4,746 adults between the ages of 55 and 75 who were overweight or obese and had metabolic syndrome but no prior history of cardiovascular disease or diabetes. Over six years, researchers compared two groups. One group adopted a calorie-reduced Mediterranean diet (about 600 fewer kilocalories per day), engaged in moderate exercise such as brisk walking and strength and balance training, and received professional counselling. The other group continued a traditional Mediterranean diet without calorie limits or exercise advice.

The results revealed that the participants who followed the calorie-reduced diet and exercise plan not only reduced their diabetes risk but also lost more weight and trimmed more from their waistlines. On average, they lost 3.3 kg and 3.6 cm from their waist, compared to 0.6 kg and 0.3 cm in the control group. This translated to preventing about three new cases of type 2 diabetes for every 100 participants -- a meaningful benefit for public health.

"Diabetes is the first solid clinical outcome for which we have shown -- using the strongest available evidence -- that the Mediterranean diet with calorie reduction, physical activity and weight loss is a highly effective preventive tool," said Miguel Ángel Martínez-González, Professor of Preventive Medicine and Public Health at the University of Navarra, Adjunct Professor of Nutrition at Harvard University, and one of the principal investigators of the project. "Applied at scale in at-risk populations, these modest and sustained lifestyle changes could prevent thousands of new diagnoses every year. We hope soon to show similar evidence for other major public health challenges."

A landmark Spanish study has found that a calorie-reduced Mediterranean diet, combined with moderate exercise and professional weight-loss support, can lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 31%. Credit: Shutterstock


Type 2 Diabetes: A Preventable Global Epidemic

According to the International Diabetes Federation, type 2 diabetes now affects over 530 million people around the world. Its rise is fuelled by urbanization (unhealthy diets, sedentary lifestyles, reduced physical activity), an aging population, and increasing rates of overweight and obesity. In Spain, an estimated 4.7 million adults live with diabetes -- mostly type 2 -- giving the country one of the highest rates in Europe, where total cases exceed 65 million. In the United States, roughly 38.5 million people have diabetes, and the disease carries some of the highest per-patient healthcare costs worldwide. Experts emphasize that prevention is crucial to slow this escalating crisis, which greatly increases the risk of heart, kidney, and metabolic complications.

"The Mediterranean diet acts synergistically to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce inflammation. With PREDIMED-Plus, we demonstrate that combining calorie control and physical activity enhances these benefits," explained Miguel Ruiz-Canela, Professor and Chair of Preventive Medicine and Public Health Department at the University of Navarra's School of Medicine and first author of the study. "It is a tasty, sustainable and culturally accepted approach that offers a practical and effective way to prevent type 2 diabetes -- a global disease that is, to a large extent, avoidable."


International Relevance and Support for a Realistic and Scalable Strategy

Annals of Internal Medicine accompanied the publication with an editorial by Sharon J. Herring and Gina L. Tripicchio, nutrition and public health experts at Temple University (Philadelphia, USA). They praised the intervention's clinical relevance and its potential as a preventive model for type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, they warn that replicating similar strategies outside the Mediterranean context -- such as in the U.S. -- requires overcoming structural barriers, including unequal access to healthy foods, the limitations of the urban environment, and the lack of professional guidance. In this scenario, they advocate strengthening public policies that promote more nutritious and more equitable environments. At a time when new drugs against obesity and diabetes are grabbing headlines, PREDIMED-Plus demonstrates that modest, sustained lifestyle changes can still deliver powerful health benefits.

The PREDIMED-Plus project (2013-2024), which involves different patients, is a continuation of the PREDIMED study (2003-2010). This study demonstrated that following a Mediterranean diet enriched with extra-virgin olive oil or nuts reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease by 30%. Researchers emphasize that primary care providers can integrate the new intervention as a sustainable, cost-efficient strategy to prevent type 2 diabetes on a large scale.


Participating Institutions

The PREDIMED-Plus trial has assembled a broad network of investigators from across Spain. In order of the number of participants, the study included researchers from the following institutions: the University of Navarra and the Navarra Health Service (2 centers), Hospital Clínic de Barcelona (2 centers), University of Valencia, Rovira i Virgili University (Reus), IMIM-Hospital del Mar, Miguel Hernández University (Alicante), Son Espases Hospital (Palma de Mallorca), University of Malaga, Reina Sofía Hospital (Córdoba) and University of Granada. In addition, Bioaraba and the UPV/EHU (Vitoria), the University of the Balearic Islands, the Hospital Virgen de la Victoria (Malaga), the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the University of Leon, the Primary Health Care District of Seville, the Fundación Jiménez Díaz (Madrid), the Hospital de Bellvitge, the Hospital Clínico San Carlos (Madrid), the University of Jaen, and the IMDEA Food Institute (Madrid) have also participated.

The project also benefited from international collaboration with the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (USA). Most of the participating researchers are affiliated with the CIBEROBN, CIBERESP, or CIBERDEM research networks.


https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251012054621.htm

Sunday, 12 October 2025

Normalising blood sugar levels is as beneficial as losing weight for reducing type 2 diabetes risk

From diabetes.co.uk

Restoring a normal fasting blood sugar level prevents the development of type 2 diabetes just as well as reducing “the number on the scale,” latest research has revealed 

A new study from the University Hospital of Tübingen, Helmholtz Munich and the German Center for Diabetes Research has found that lowering your blood sugar without needing to lose weight can reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes by 71%.

One in 10 adults around the world are reported to be living with prediabetes, but unreported cases mean the actual number is higher.

Prediabetes means that your blood sugars are higher than usual, but not high enough for you to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

If left untreated, people with prediabetes can go onto develop type 2 diabetes – a condition linked to serious health conditions, including cardiovascular disease and cancer.

Experts recommend that people should adopt a healthy diet and increase their physical activity to prevent the development of type 2 diabetes.

During this trial, the team of researchers analysed more than 1,100 people, 234 of whom lost no weight throughout the study. Meanwhile, 22% of the group normalised their blood sugar levels, the findings have shown.

According to the academics, the participants who normalised their blood sugar levels without losing weight were 71% less likely to develop type 2 diabetes, similar to a 73% lower risk among people who have lowered their weight.

CGMs allow individuals to monitor their blood glucose levels in real-time, exposing people to how their lifestyle impacts their metabolic health

Lead author Dr Andreas Birkenfeld said: “Restoring a normal fasting blood sugar level is the most important goal in preventing type 2 diabetes and not necessarily the number on the scale.

“Exercise and a balanced diet have a positive effect on blood sugar levels, regardless of whether weight is reduced.”

Dr Birkenfeld added: “Losing weight remains helpful, but our data suggests that it is not essential for protection against diabetes.

“In future, guidelines for the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes should not only take weight into account, but above all blood glucose control and fat distribution patterns.”

To read the study, click here.

https://www.diabetes.co.uk/news/2025/oct/normalising-blood-sugar-levels-as-beneficial-as-losing-weight-for-reducing-type-2-diabetes-risk.html

Friday, 10 October 2025

6 foods that can trigger the risk of developing type 2 diabetes

From indianexpress.com 

Wednesday, 8 October 2025

The first 90 days: A doctor’s checklist for people newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes

From economictimes.indiatimes.com

Synopsis

The first 90 days after a type 2 diabetes diagnosis are crucial for managing the condition and reducing heart disease risks. Experts emphasize understanding the body's response to high blood sugar, adopting healthy lifestyle foundations like smart eating and regular exercise, and seeking support to lay the groundwork for long-term health.


For millions of Indians newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, the journey ahead can feel daunting, especially when the diagnosis comes with an added burden: heart disease or elevated cardiovascular risk. However, experts say that the first 90 days are a golden opportunity to take control, reduce complications, and lay a foundation for long-term health.

Why the first 90 days matter
Type 2 diabetes means your body is not managing sugar in the blood as effectively as it should, either because it isn’t using insulin well or because it isn’t producing enough of it. If left unchecked, this imbalance can silently damage the heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves. Research shows that achieving a head start early dramatically reduces these risks and improves long-term health outcomes.

Understanding what’s happening in your body
One of the most important first steps is learning what diabetes really means for your body. Rising blood sugar doesn’t just cause short-term fatigue; it can also create stress on multiple organs over time. People with diabetes are about two–four times more likely to develop heart attacks, heart failure, and strokes than those without diabetes. The longer diabetes remains uncontrolled, the higher this risk climbs, even if blood sugar is brought under control later.1 Knowing how this works helps you make better choices in daily life, from the food on your plate to how often you move during the day.

How diabetes damages the heart
High blood sugar, over time, damages the delicate lining of blood vessels, causing low-grade inflammation and hardening of the arteries—a process called atherosclerosis. This accelerates plaque build-up, restricts blood flow, and increases heart attack risk3. Add to this common diabetes companions such as high blood pressure, high LDL (bad) cholesterol, low HDL (good) cholesterol, and obesity, and it creates a perfect storm for severe cardiovascular disease.

Heart disease itself comes in various forms:

  • Coronary artery disease (blockages in blood vessels feeding the heart)
  • Heart failure (weakened heart muscle)
  • Peripheral arterial disease (poor blood supply to legs/feet)
  • Stroke (reduced blood supply in the brain)
The GLP-1 hormone is one of the body’s natural helpers in sugar balance. It plays three crucial roles: it signals the pancreas to release insulin when glucose levels rise, slows down how quickly food leaves your stomach, and makes you feel fuller after meals. Together, these actions smooth out blood sugar spikes and reduce unnecessary strain on the body.

Lifestyle foundations that work
Experts agree that lifestyle choices form the foundation of diabetes management. Here are some proven steps:
  • Eat smart: Build meals with vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Try to cut back on sugary drinks, desserts, and heavily processed foods.
  • Move more: Aim for about 150 minutes of moderate activity per week—brisk walking, cycling, or swimming all count. Strength-building activities a couple of times a week are a bonus.
    • Small wins over time: Rather than chasing extreme diets or long workouts, focus on steady, achievable changes that you can keep up in daily life.

Track, check, and stay aware
Monitoring your blood sugar helps you see how your body reacts to food, movement, and stress. This feedback gives you a clearer picture of what works for you and allows you to adjust along the way.

Preventive care is equally vital. Early diabetes can affect your eyes, kidneys, and nerves without obvious warning signs. That’s why regular screenings, including eye exams, kidney function checks, and foot health assessments, are recommended. Vaccinations, such as flu shots, also strengthen your body’s defences.

Caring for your mind and emotions
A new diagnosis can stir up stress, confusion, or even denial. Support from counsellors, diabetes educators, or peer groups can make the journey easier. Sharing experiences and learning from others provides both knowledge and emotional relief, improving long-term success.

Set goals and keep moving forward
Diabetes is not a sprint; it’s a marathon. Setting realistic goals for your blood sugar, weight, activity, and overall well-being makes progress easier to measure. Reviewing and adjusting these goals over time keeps you motivated and in control.



Doctor’s checklist for your first 90 days with type 2 diabetes
  • Know your condition – Learn how diabetes affects your body.
  • Eat smart – Choose balanced meals and limit processed foods.
  • Move more – Stay active for at least 150 minutes weekly.
  • Track your numbers – Monitor your blood sugar regularly.
  • Get checked – Schedule eye, kidney, and foot screenings; stay up-to-date on vaccines.
    • Care for your mind – Seek support through groups or counselling.
    • Set and review goals – Define small, realistic targets and adjust as you go.
    • Drop harmful habits – Quit smoking and reduce alcohol.
    • Stay ready – Keep hydrated and carry healthy snacks when on the move.

The bottom line
The first 90 days after a type 2 diabetes diagnosis are not about fear; they’re about opportunity. This is your chance to take charge, set healthy patterns, and work with your body’s natural helpers, such as the GLP-1 hormone, to keep sugar levels balanced. By blending sugar control with heart-protective habits, regular check-ups, and support, long-term risks can be drastically reduced. Protecting both the heart and the body is the single smartest investment for healthy years ahead.

Disclaimer: This content is part of a disease awareness initiative by Novo Nordisk. The opinions and views are that of the Healthcare Professionals. The news and editorial staff of ET had no role in the creation of this article nor vouch for or endorse any of its content. While the content on this site provides general information about health and wellbeing. It is not intended as medical advice, nor is it a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. If you need help getting your health under control, we recommend speaking to your doctor.

Tuesday, 7 October 2025

Drinking 7 to 8 cups of tea, coffee and water a day linked to living longer

From diabetes.co.uk

A study of the link between drinking tea, coffee, and water, and mortality has revealed that a daily intake of seven to eight cups has the lowest mortality risk.

Another key finding of the major study was that drinking either tea or coffee on its own is not as significantly linked to mortality as drinking both combined.

Furthermore, a specific ratio of approximately 2:3 in coffee and tea combination was found to be linked to the lowest mortality risk from all causes along with a number of specific diseases.


The findings add to growing evidence that drinking moderate amounts of tea and coffee is linked to a lower risk of death from all causes along with cardiovascular disease and some cancers.

Understanding these links has proved challenging as most past studies which analyse varying coffee and tea consumption levels don’t take into account alternate fluid intake that it replaces.

More nuanced research is requited which looks, for example, at whether an extra cup of coffee is beneficial even if it replaces a cup of water.

UK Biobank data from just over 182,700 adults was analysed, with the study authors saying: “The lower mortality risk was observed with at least approximately 7 to 8 drinks per day of total consumption.

“When the total intake is greater than 4 drinks per day, substituting plain water with coffee or tea was linked to reduced mortality, nevertheless the benefit was not seen for less than/equal to 4 drinks per day.”

One key finding was that the 2:3 coffee and tea combination was associated with a 72% lower risk of respiratory disease in comparison to other ratios and drink patterns.

Researchers highlighted that drinking more than nine drinks a day, coffee or tea replacing water was linked to a possible increase in risk of death from cardiovascular events.

The team added: “These results highlight the importance of the rational combination of coffee, tea, and plain water, with particular emphasis on ensuring adequate total intake, offering more comprehensive and explicit guidance for individuals.”

https://www.diabetes.co.uk/news/2025/oct/drinking-7-to-8-cups-of-tea-coffee-and-water-a-day-linked-to-living-longer.html 

Sunday, 5 October 2025

This nighttime symptom may signal a chronic disease: Expert warns of silent red flags for diabetes risk you shouldn’t ignore

From economictimes.indiatimes.com 

Synopsis

Frequent night-time urination may seem harmless, but experts warn it could signal type 2 diabetes. Superdrug’s pharmacy superintendent Niamh McMillan highlights four warning signs: excessive thirst, persistent fatigue, unusual hunger, and frequent urination. Unlike type 1, type 2 diabetes develops slowly and often goes unnoticed. McMillan advises weight loss, regular exercise, and whole-food diets to reduce risks. Early testing and lifestyle changes can help manage or even push diabetes into remission.


Waking up often at night to use the bathroom may seem harmless, but health experts say it could be your body’s way of signalling an underlying condition: type 2 diabetes. According to Mirror, which cited advice from Niamh McMillan, Pharmacy Superintendent at Superdrug, certain overlooked symptoms can point to rising blood sugar issues that, if untreated, may progress silently.


Frequent night-time urination, often dismissed as harmless, may actually be an early warning sign of type 2 diabetes, experts caution. (Images: iStock)


The four red flags to watch for

McMillan highlighted four key signs that deserve attention: unusual thirst, frequent urination (particularly at night), unexplained hunger, and persistent fatigue. While these symptoms can be linked to other health concerns, their persistence should not be ignored. “Many people have type 2 diabetes without even realising, therefore it’s important to be aware of the signs,” she told Mirror.


Why type 2 diabetes is different

Type 1 diabetes usually appears suddenly in childhood, but type 2 develops gradually, often going unnoticed for years. The condition stems from the body’s inability to use insulin properly or produce enough of it. Left unmanaged, this can lead to serious complications, though in some cases type 2 diabetes can be pushed into remission with lifestyle changes.


What you can do to lower your risk

McMillan recommended simple but powerful steps: losing weight, especially around the waist, staying active for at least 150 minutes per week, and choosing whole, unprocessed foods over sugary or refined alternatives. These measures, she explained, can help regulate blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity.


A restless night could be more than a minor inconvenience—it might be your body raising an alarm. Experts urge people not to dismiss persistent thirst, fatigue, or night-time urination, but instead consider medical testing to rule out or manage diabetes early. With awareness and lifestyle changes, the risks can be reduced, and in some cases, remission is within reach.


https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/this-nighttime-symptom-may-signal-a-chronic-disease-expert-warns-of-silent-red-flags-for-diabetes-risk-you-shouldnt-ignore/articleshow/124311869.cms?from=mdr

Saturday, 4 October 2025

Childhood Diabetes Is on the Rise. Here’s What Parents Should Know

From northernvirginiamag.com/family

By Christine Ashburn, MD

It’s a diagnosis no parent wants to hear: Diabetes. Yet more families are facing this reality as cases of type 1 and type 2 diabetes rise among children. As a board-certified paediatrician at Kaiser Permanente, I see this trend among my patients.

I want parents to be able to recognize the signs and symptoms to watch for at home, and to know that although a diabetes diagnosis can be scary, there are treatments that can help children live full, active and healthy lives.

                                                                                                                  stock.adobe.com

Understanding the Two Types of Diabetes

  • Type 1 diabetes, also known as juvenile diabetes, is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks cells in the pancreas and prevents the pancreas from producing insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar. Children may be diagnosed at any age but most often, kids are diagnosed at ages 4–6 and in early adolescence.
  • Type 2 diabetes develops over time. The body becomes resistant to insulin due to prolonged exposure to high sugar levels. Type 2 diabetes is often linked to obesity and inactivity. Kids may be diagnosed at any time but most frequently are diagnosed in their teen years.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2002, the number of young people newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes each year was 20 per 100,000. By 2018, that number increased to 22 per 100,000. Researchers are trying to understand why this is.

Type 2 diabetes is also rising in kids, and at a rate far more alarming than type 1 diabetes: In 2002, the number of young people newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes per year was 9 per 100,000. By 2018, that number doubled to 18 per 100,000 per year. 

The reason? Type 2 diabetes is largely driven by lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise and weight. We see children eating more processed foods, drinking sugary beverages such as juices and chocolate milk, and spending more time on screens than engaging in physical activity. These lifestyle habits have contributed to a childhood obesity epidemic, and being overweight is a key risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Unfortunately, a condition that in previous generations was considered an “adult” medical condition is now affecting our kids.

Spotting the Signs of Diabetes in Kids

Both types of diabetes share many symptoms. Symptoms of type 1 and type 2 diabetes may include:

  • Excessive thirst to the point where the thirst is almost impossible to quench
  • Frequent urination, including new bedwetting or accidents in previously potty-trained kids
  • Fatigue
  • Abdominal pain
  • Emotional irritability due to highs and lows in blood sugar levels
  • Unexplained or sudden weight loss (more common in type 1)
  • Acanthosis nigricans: dark, thickened patches of skin, especially around the neck, armpits, or groin (more common in type 2)

If you notice these symptoms in your child, reach out to your child’s paediatrician. (Note: Some children won’t show symptoms of type 2 diabetes.) The paediatrician likely will order blood and urine tests, checking blood sugar levels; haemoglobin A1C levels; and sugar levels in the urine.

Family History and Diabetes

While we don’t fully understand why some kids get type 1 diabetes, we do know genetics plays a big role.  If a parent, grandparent, or sibling has type 1 Diabetes, it significantly increases the risk for that child to develop it as well.   

Kids with parents or grandparents who have type 2 diabetes are at high risk of developing the illness too.

Knowing your family’s medical history can be vital in ensuring an early diagnosis for your child. Tell your child’s doctor if you have a family history of either type of diabetes.

Preventing Diabetes in Children

Unfortunately, type 1 diabetes is not preventable.

Type 2 diabetes is preventable and can even be reversed with lifestyle changes. I recommend families engage in healthy habits together so that no one feels singled out.

In terms of healthy eating, I recommend parents help their children:

  • Limit sugary drinks like soda, chocolate milk, and fruit juices
  • Eat plenty of whole fruits and vegetables 
  • Avoid ultra-processed foods and sugary cereals

Movement is also essential to prevent type 2 diabetes. I recommend parents:

  • Encourage daily physical activity beyond gym class and recess.
  • Limit screen time to two hours or less per day
  • Set timers to break up long stretches of video games, phone use or TV

Managing Diabetes in Kids

Diabetes complications can affect the whole body, in the short term and the long term. People with diabetes struggle with poor wound healing, vision issues, kidney disease and many other serious health conditions. The goal is to prevent diabetes from leading to complications in childhood and adulthood.

If your child is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, insulin therapy is essential because the child has lost the ability to regulate their own insulin. Families help their children monitor blood sugar levels, count carbs and administer insulin.

While coping with the diagnosis is incredibly challenging, I want families to know that kids can live normal, healthy lives with diabetes. Kids can still play sports, go to school and enjoy their favorite foods as long as blood sugar levels are kept in check. (Read for more information about coping with type 1 diabetes.)

Type 2 diabetes may also require insulin or medications like metformin, especially in severe cases. With healthy eating, exercise and weight management, type 2 diabetes can be treated and even reversed over time. (Read for more information about coping with type 2 diabetes.)

Bottom line: Managing diabetes can be emotionally, physically and socially challenging or isolating. As a parent, try to lend as much support as you can, connect with other families impacted by childhood diabetes if you can, and be a good role model in terms of healthy eating, exercise and weight management.

Diabetes may be on the rise, but with knowledge and action, parents can help their kids lead healthy, full and vibrant lives.

Christine Ashburn, MD, is a board-certified paediatrician with the Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group. She sees patients at the Kaiser Permanente Ashburn Medical Center

https://northernvirginiamag.com/family/2025/10/02/childhood-diabetes-is-on-the-rise-heres-what-parents-should-know/