Nutritious diet may prevent type 2 diabetes regardless of genetics

A new study from the University of Eastern Finland has found that a healthy diet in line with nutritional recommendations leads to improved blood sugar levels and a lower risk of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. This association was also observed in people with a high genetic predisposition to type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is a highly hereditary disease, but it can be prevented or slowed down through healthy lifestyle choices, including diet and exercise.

“But we don't really know whether a healthy diet is equally beneficial for everyone, whether they're at low genetic risk or high genetic risk.”

Ulla Tolonen, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of Eastern Finland

This cross-sectional study examined food intake and blood glucose levels in over 1,500 middle-aged and older men participating in the Metabolic Syndrome in Men Study (METSIM). Food intake was measured using a food frequency questionnaire, and blood glucose levels were measured using a 2-hour glucose tolerance test. Additionally, study participants' genetic risk for type 2 diabetes was scored based on 76 genetic variants associated with type 2 diabetes risk.

The researchers identified two dietary patterns based on food intake: The “healthy” dietary pattern includes vegetables, berries, fruits, vegetable oils, fish, poultry, potatoes, unsweetened and low-fat yogurt, low-fat cheese, and whole grain products such as porridge, pasta and rice. This diet is associated with, for example, lower blood sugar levels and a lower risk of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.

The study also investigated the impact of genetic risk for type 2 diabetes on diet and glucose metabolism. The association between a healthy diet and improved glucose metabolism appears to apply to both individuals with low and high genetic risk for diabetes.

“Our findings suggest that a healthy diet can benefit everyone, regardless of genetic risk,” Troonen concludes.

The research results are: European Journal of Nutrition.