The objective of this project is to assess the effectiveness of a low-calorie and very low-calorie Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND-HK) diet in improving glycemic control and cardiovascular outcomes in adults with T2DM. A total of 180 participants aged 40 to 70, diagnosed with T2DM, will be recruited and randomized into three groups: intervention 1 following the low-calorie MIND-HK diet, intervention 2 following the very low-calorie diet, and an attention control group. The two intervention groups will attend four in-person nutrition counseling sessions (one per week, 60 minutes per session, followed by a 30-minute Q&A) at a community centre and will use KetoMetrics Breath Ketone System and dietary mobile app, to track diet and monitor daily ketone levels for early signs of ketosis that may lead to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). The attention control group will receive an equal amount of attention through four in-person infectious disease counseling sessions. The primary outcome will be HbA1c levels. Secondary outcomes include fasting blood glucose, lipid profile, blood pressure, body mass index, waist circumference, breath ketone, scores from the Summary Diabetes Self-Care Activities (SDSCA) Questionnaire, and MIND diet scores. This study will contribute to the growing body of evidence on dietary interventions for managing T2DM in adults.

This study addresses the critical clinical need to optimize dietary interventions for Chinese adults managing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). While calorie restriction is widely known to aid in diabetes management, there is limited evidence comparing the distinct efficacy and physiological safety profiles of a standard low-calorie diet versus an intensive, very low-calorie approach when adapted to local dietary preferences. By evaluating the tailored MIND-HK diet, this trial aims to establish an effective, practical framework for improving long-term glycemic control and reducing cardiovascular risks.

To achieve robust and reliable results, the study uses a rigorous 12-week, parallel-group Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) design involving 180 participants divided equally into three arms. The structure combines intensive, professional in-person coaching from a registered nutritionist with continuous remote support via WhatsApp to maximize participant adherence and behavioral retention. Furthermore, the integration of the Bluetooth-connected KetoMetrics Breath Ketone System provides a critical safety buffer, allowing real-time tracking of calorie intake and early detection of ketosis to prevent complications like diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). By standardizing the contact time across all arms-including an attention control group receiving infectious disease health education-the trial minimizes bias and ensures that any observed improvements in HbA1c, fasting glucose, lipid profiles, and blood pressure are directly attributable to the nutritional interventions.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. aged 40 to 70 years old;
2. diagnosed with Type II DM; and
3. Chinese ethnicity and able to speak and understand Cantonese.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. patients on dialysis;
2. Type I and Type II DM patients with insulin use;
3. allergic to more than one type of food in the Low-calorie MIND-HK diet and very Low-calorie MIND- HK diet (e.g. nuts, berries, olive oil, or fish);
4. Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women;
5. Individuals with severe mental health conditions including severe depression, anxiety or other mental issues may struggle with the psychological demands of a very low calorie diet;
6. People with low BMI less than 18.5;
7. participation ni any dietary program within the past 3 months.