Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease caused by the deficiency or lack of effect of the insulin hormone secreted from the beta cells of the pancreas, or by the impairment of both its perception and effect, and progresses with high glycemic levels.

The Mediterranean diet, a dietary pattern based on the traditional foods and beverages of the countries surrounding the Mediterranean, has recently been recognized as one of the healthiest dietary patterns worldwide. It has been reported that the Mediterranean diet may have a preventive effect on cardiovascular diseases and diabetes and may contribute to glycemic control in diabetic patients. Endogenous antioxidants contained in the Mediterranean diet lead to a significant reduction in the content of free radicals and therefore prevent or reduce the harmful effects of chronic hyperglycemia. The Mediterranean diet may support the creation of an anti-inflammatory environment that can improve insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues and endothelial function at the vascular level, acting as a barrier against the development of metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes mellitus and atherosclerosis. Indeed, ample evidence shows that the Mediterranean diet has significant cardiometabolic benefits in diabetes.

We think that the Mediterranean diet, which contains many nutrients with biological diversity beneficial for health, combined with a Mediterranean lifestyle will be beneficial in many cardiovascular diseases, including diabetes.