Mediterranean lifestyle reduces heart risk in type 2 diabetes patients

A study published in Clinical Medicine using UK Biobank data indicates that a Mediterranean lifestyle can significantly reduce cardiovascular risks for adults with type 2 diabetes. Researchers tracked 3,612 British adults aged 40 to 70 over a median period of 10.5 to 12.1 years.

Adherence was measured using a modified Mediterranean Lifestyle Index (MEDLIFE), which evaluates three areas: Mediterranean food consumption, dietary habits (including alcohol, sugar, and caffeine), and lifestyle factors such as physical activity, rest, and social connection.

Participants with the highest adherence to this lifestyle showed a 27% lower risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, and heart failure, compared to those with the lowest adherence. Additionally, the high-adherence group experienced a 26% lower risk of all-cause mortality and a 51% lower risk of death specifically from cardiovascular disease.