M-A | Combination of multiple low-risk lifestyle behaviors and incident type 2 diabetes

Summary: This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the association between multiple low-risk lifestyle behaviors (LRLBs) and the incidence of type 2 diabetes. The study examined 30 cohort comparisons involving 1,693,753 participants and 75,669 cases of type 2 diabetes. The LRLBs evaluated in the study were maintaining a healthy body weight, healthy diet, regular exercise, smoking abstinence or cessation, and light alcohol consumption. Results showed that the highest adherence to these LRLBs was associated with an 80% lower risk of type 2 diabetes compared to the lowest adherence group. Thus, targeting these LRLBs could be an effective strategy for the primary prevention of type 2 diabetes. However, the authors recommend promoting only four LRLBs, excluding alcohol intake, due to its association with increased harm. The potential benefits of small alcohol intake remain a controversial issue since most studies on the subject are observational and subject to residual confounding.

Article: Combination of Multiple Low-Risk Lifestyle Behaviors and Incident Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies – Diabetes Care (free for a limited period)

Commentary from the author on Twitter (thread – click for more)

Our research shows that adherence to multiple low-risk lifestyle behaviours including healthy diet and exercise can significantly reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes https://t.co/mWEEw9xYtQ #healthylifestyle #lowriskhabits #healthresearch

— Tauseef Khan (@tauseefkhan) February 22, 2023