In a prospective cohort study involving more than 7,000 patients with type 2 diabetes, it was discovered that those who maintain a healthy diet, engage in regular physical activity, and engage in other healthy lifestyle habits are significantly less likely than those who dont to develop microvascular complications of the disease, including diabetic neuropathy, retinopathy, and nephropathy, as well as foot disorders.

The current study used the data from two sizable prospective cohort studies, including the Nurses′ Health Study (NHS) and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study (HPFS). In total, 4,982 women and 2,095 men in the cohort were identified as having type 2 diabetes at the time of follow-up.

Every two to four years, the NHS and HPFS employed standardized questionnaires to collect data on dietary habits, way of life, prior health conditions, and newly identified diseases. Participants in the latter trial from NHS and HPFS filled out additional questionnaires concerning their diabetes.

Results showed that before receiving a diagnosis of diabetes, patients who followed a healthy lifestyle had a 27% lower relative risk of getting any microvascular problem than those who did not (relative risk, 0.73; 95% confidence range, 0.35-1; P = 0.006), while those who adopted a healthy lifestyle after being diagnosed with diabetes had similar outcomes, with a 32% reduction in relative risk (RR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.55-0.83; P < .001) compared to individuals who didnt adopt any healthy lifestyle practices.

These findings are highly relevant to public health because they imply that healthy lifestyle choices and clinical therapy are crucial in preventing diabetic complications.

(Source: https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/987718?src=)