In January 2019 researchers from Sweden and Iceland published the results of their study to assess the effects of a Paleolithic diet, with and without additional supervised exercise training, on cardiac fat, structure, and function in individuals with diabetes type 2. A total of 22 overweight and obese individuals were involved in the study. The individuals were divided into two groups and received either a Paleolithic diet and standard-care exercise recommendations or a Paleolithic diet plus supervised exercise training 3 hours per week. Cardiac structure and function were assessed at the start of the study and again at the end of a 12-week period. Results showed that both groups of individuals experienced favourable metabolic changes. Those individuals consuming the Paleolithic diet plus supervised exercise training experienced significant decreases in myocardial triglycerides levels and left ventricle mass to end-diastolic volume ratio while the left ventricle end-diastolic volume and stroke volume increased significantly. These measurements were unchanged in those in the group receiving Paleolithic diet and standard-care exercise recommendations. The researchers therefore concluded that individuals with diabetes type 2 consuming the Paleolithic diet plus supervised exercise training experienced an improvement in their cardiac fat, structure, and function.
Otten J et al. Exercise Training Adds Cardiometabolic Benefits of a Paleolithic Diet in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. J Am Heart Assoc. 2019 Jan 22;8(2):e010634.