Last updated August 22, 2026
Key finding
There were no differences between diets on HbA1c among the 14 participants.
This study evaluated the efficacy of a Palaeolithic diet compared to a standard diabetes diet for glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes. No significant differences were found between the two diets.
Quick read
The essential study design details in one scan.
EvidenceScore™
Moderate
Study type
RCTs
Follow-up
Short-Term (≤3 mo)
Risk of bias
Some Concerns
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Plain-language summary
A plain-language read of the study’s main message and where it applies.
Study focus
This study evaluated the efficacy of a Palaeolithic diet compared to a standard diabetes diet for glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes. No significant differences were found between the two diets.
Understanding the effectiveness of different dietary approaches is crucial for managing type 2 diabetes. This study suggests that patients may not need to switch to a Palaeolithic diet if they are already following a standard diabetes diet, as both diets showed similar outcomes in glycaemic control.
Small sample size of only 14 participants. Short duration of the dietary interventions. Lack of diversity in the participant population.
Published in
Publication details and source links for this paper.
Maelán F, María-Luz F, Óscar P, et al. A Palaeolithic diet is an efficacious dietary approach for glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes. Journal of Nutritional Science. 2025;14:e59. doi:10.1017/jns.2025.10028
No differences in HbA1c levels between the Palaeolithic diet and diabetes diet.
No differences in fasting plasma glucose levels among participants on either diet.
No differences in cholesterol levels (total, LDL, HDL) between the two dietary approaches.
Evidence network
Understand where this research contributes within the broader evidence network.
This study contributes evidence to Palaeolithic diet and Anthropometric parameters, C-reactive protein, Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG), and 9 more.
This study contributes evidence to
Primary intervention
Palaeolithic diet
Primary outcomes
Primary intervention
Intervention and outcome relationships this study adds to the evidence network.
Editorial context
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Evidence network role
This section describes how the study fits into the current evidence network. It does not determine whether an intervention works on its own.
7
Related topics
12
Evidence pairs
2015
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Evidence topic
Contributes evidence
Evidence topic
Contributes evidence
Evidence topic
Contributes evidence
Evidence topic
Contributes evidence
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Primary evidence
Evidence topic
matched_outcome
Related evidence
Evidence topic
Save evidence
Core evidence
The primary outcomes reported in this study.
Palaeolithic diet → Anthropometric parameters
Palaeolithic diet → Anthropometric parameters
Palaeolithic diet → Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG)
Palaeolithic diet → Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG)
Palaeolithic diet → Systolic blood pressure
Palaeolithic diet → Systolic blood pressure
Evidence Library
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Explore related studies, evidence collections, and research questions.
Relationships organized using the Dediabetes Evidence Intelligence™ framework.
This study contributes to evidence on Palaeolithic diet and Body Composition, Palaeolithic diet and Inflammatory Markers.
This study contributes to the evidence on the following intervention-outcome relationships.
Diet and Nutrition
Diet and Nutrition
Diet and Nutrition
Curated evidence collections and hubs this study is part of.
All studies measuring Adipokine and Angiogenic Markers
Measures Adipokine and Angiogenic Markers as a key outcome.
All studies measuring Body Composition
Measures Body Composition as a key outcome.
All studies measuring Inflammatory Markers
Measures Inflammatory Markers as a key outcome.
All studies on Palaeolithic diet
Contributes to Palaeolithic diet evidence base.
Latest published studies
Published within the last 2 years.
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1 results
1 results
1 results
1 results
1 results
Generated from the study's connected evidence using Evidence Intelligence™.
Current evidence does not show a clear benefit of Palaeolithic diet for anthropometric parameters.
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
Anthropometric parameters
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | neutral | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
Current evidence does not show a clear benefit of Palaeolithic diet for c-reactive protein.
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
C-reactive protein
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | neutral | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
Current evidence does not show a clear benefit of Palaeolithic diet for fasting plasma glucose (FPG).
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG)
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | neutral | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
Current evidence does not show a clear benefit of Palaeolithic diet for fructosamine.
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
Fructosamine
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | neutral | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
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