Food Choices and Movement Linked to Lower Diabetes Risk

Researchers examined 56,964 adults from the U.K. Biobank, with a mean age of 69.5; 42.3% were men. Questionnaires measured ultra-processed food intake at the start, wrist trackers captured one week of moderate-to-vigorous movement, and genetic data indicated inherited susceptibility. Across 7.8 years of follow-up on average, 926 people developed type 2 diabetes.

Risk rose as ultra-processed products accounted for more food: each additional 10% by dietary weight corresponded to a 7% increase. Participants accumulating 150 minutes per week of activity that raised heart and breathing rates had 39% lower risk than those doing less. Qualifying movement included brisk walking, cycling, hiking, dog walking, sports, and physically sustained housework or gardening.

For adults at high genetic risk, keeping ultra-processed foods near 11% or less of total food weight was associated with 35% lower risk, while meeting the activity target was linked to a 33% reduction. Combining lower intake with sufficient movement corresponded to reductions of 49% for high genetic susceptibility, 70% for intermediate susceptibility, and 59% for low susceptibility. Even when ultra-processed products made up about 33% or more of food weight, reaching the activity target was associated with reductions of 31%, 57%, and 58% across those respective genetic groups. Because participants followed their existing habits rather than assigned behaviors, these relationships do not demonstrate cause and effect. The findings are scheduled for presentation in Milan, Italy, during the EASD annual meeting running Sept. 28–Oct. 2.