Adults at risk for heart disease can reduce the possibility of developing diabetes by adopting a Mediterranean diet, according to media reports Tuesday quoting researchers from the Washington University.

Mediterranean diets are known as generally high in vegetables, fiber-rich grains, fish, legumes and plant-based sources of unsaturated fat.

They are believed to have elements that cut down inflammation throughout the body and may have positive impact on diabetes.

Researchers from Washington University who analyzed data on 3,541 men and women, aged 55 to 80 at an increased risk for heart disease, found those who adopt a Mediterranean diet were about 30 percent less likely to develop diabetes for the next four years, compared with those adopting a general low-fat diet.