Lifestyle Factors Linked to Type 2 Diabetes Risk

Smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and diet are all significantly associated with type 2 diabetes risk among adults ages 20 years or older in the United States, according to a new study.

It is well known that unhealthy lifestyles can lead to many health problems over time, including type 2 diabetes. To further assess the impact of lifestyle factors on the development of type 2 diabetes, the researchers examined data from 12,987 US adults who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005-2014.
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Associations between each lifestyle factor and type 2 diabetes were assessed via weighted multiple logistic regression models after adjustment for demographics and socioeconomic status. Additionally, Cochran-Armitage tests were used to determine the prevalence trends for type 2 diabetes.

Results indicated that type 2 diabetes is increasing in prevalence among adults in the United States. Individuals who engage in light physical activity and those who consume a poor diet were more likely to report having type 2 diabetes (vs those who engage in vigorous activity and those who consume an excellent diet). Smoking and alcohol consumption also played a role in diabetes prevalence, though to a lesser extent.

The researchers noted that all of these relationships had remained significant after adjusting for demographics and socioeconomic factors.

“All four lifestyle factors were significantly associated with [type 2 diabetes] among American adults,” the researchers concluded. “The findings of the present study provide useful information for healthcare providers that may help them promote specific lifestyle modifications.”

—Christina Vogt

Reference:

Liu Y, Wang K, Maisonet M, Wang L, Zheng S. Associations of lifestyle factors (smoking, alcohol consumption, diet and physical activity) with type 2 diabetes among American adults from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005–2014. J Diabetes. 2017;9(9):846-854. doi:10.1111/1753-0407.12492.