Adults at increased risk for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease often struggle to find a diet that truly helps. A new analysis looked at many studies to see if a Mediterranean-style eating plan offers real benefits. This approach focuses on healthy fats, vegetables, and whole grains rather than processed foods. The researchers combined data from 1,337 people to get a clearer picture of what works.
The results were promising for several key health markers. The diet significantly reduced levels of glycated hemoglobin, which reflects average blood sugar over time. It also lowered LDL cholesterol, known as bad cholesterol, and triglycerides, another type of fat in the blood. These changes are important because high levels of these markers increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
However, the diet did not significantly change fasting glucose, insulin levels, or total cholesterol. It also did not change HDL cholesterol, known as good cholesterol. The study did not report any safety issues or side effects. The researchers noted that different methods for measuring gut bacteria made it hard to compare results perfectly. While the findings are encouraging, more specific data is needed to fully understand long-term effects.
