Mediterranean diet plus HIIT has multiple benefits for type 2 diabetes

Researchers in Canada have shown that combining a Mediterranean diet with high-intensity training has impressive benefits for people with type 2 diabetes.
Both a Mediterranean diet and High-intensity interval training have been shown to have benefits in diabetes when tested independently. The team of Canadian researchers wanted to examine how a diet and exercise programme combining the two would fare.
The impressive results saw significant improvements in blood glucose and blood pressure levels, and waist circumference.
The improvements in blood glucose levels were a reduction by an average of 23% amongst the study participants with diabetes. Participants with pre-diabetes also noted a strong improvement in blood glucose levels, improving by 10%.
Blood pressure improved by an average 6 mmHg and waist circumference reduced by 8cm (just over 3 inches). The participants’ aerobic fitness was also evaluated through the study and an improvement of 15% was recorded over the first 9 months of the study.
The Mediterranean diet was implemented through advice and counselling on which foods to eat. A Mediterranean diet features a strong intake of vegetables, focuses on whole grain rather than over processed starchy foods, includes a good fish intake and a smaller amount of red meat.
The high-intensity interval training consisted of short bursts of intense activity with reduced intensity activity in between.