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A traditional Mediterranean diet rich in olive oil, vegetables and fish can drastically reduce the risk of getting type 2 diabetes, a new study says.

In a study of more than 13,000 people, Spanish researchers found that people who strictly adhered to the diet had an 83 per cent reduction in their risk of developing diabetes. Those who moderately followed the diet had their risk reduced by 59 per cent.

These findings were surprising to the researchers, given that those who followed the diet very closely also had the greatest factors for the disease, such as older age, a family history of diabetes and being an ex-smoker.

However, because their risk was so drastically reduced, the researchers assume that the foods that make up the diet itself have a role in warding off diabetes.

In their study, the authors point out that olive oil can protect against insulin resistance. Insulin is produced by the pancreas to help the body process sugar. As well, a diet high in fruits and vegetables can help reduce inflammation in the body, which is a risk factor for a number of illnesses.

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