Cited by 367Diabetes, Cardiovascular Risks, and LipoproteinsNutritional Studies and DietObesity, Physical Activity, Diet

Diet, nutrition and the prevention of type 2 diabetes

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Steyn, NP, Mann, J, Bennett, PH, Temple, N, Zimmet, P, Tuomilehto, J, Lindström, J, Louheranta, A·2004·Public Health Nutrition

Abstract

Objectives: The overall objective of this study was to evaluate and provide evidence and recommendations on current published literature about diet and lifestyle in the prevention of type 2 diabetes. Design: Epidemiological and experimental studies, focusing on nutritional intervention in the prevention of type 2 diabetes are used to make disease-specific recommendations. Long-term cohort studies are given the most weight as to strength of evidence available. Setting and subjects: Numerous clinical trials and cohort studies in low, middle and high income countries are evaluated regarding recommendations for dietary prevention of type 2 diabetes. These include, among others, the Finnish Diabetes Prevention Study, US Diabetes Prevention Program, Da Qing Study; Pima Indian Study; Iowa Women's Health Study; and the study of the US Male Physicians. Results: There is convincing evidence for a decreased risk of diabetes in adults who are physically active and maintain a normal body mass index (BMI) throughout adulthood, and in overweight adults with impaired glucose tolerance who lose weight voluntarily. An increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes is associated with overweight and obesity; abdominal obesity; physical inactivity; and maternal diabetes. It is probable that a high intake of saturated fats and intrauterine growth retardation also contribute to an increased risk, while non-starch polysaccharides are likely to be associated with a decreased risk. From existing evidence it is also possible that omega-3 fatty acids, low glycaemic index foods and exclusive breastfeeding may play a protective role, and that total fat intake and trans fatty acids may contribute to the risk. However, insufficient evidence is currently available to provide convincing proof. Conclusions: Based on the strength of available evidence regarding diet and lifestyle in the prevention of type 2 diabetes, it is recommended that a normal weight status in the lower BMI range (BMI 21–23) and regular physical activity be maintained throughout adulthood; abdominal obesity be prevented; and saturated fat intake be less than 7% of the total energy intake.

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  • Among youth, the main contributors are increasing intake of calorie-dense foods and sugar-rich drinks and decreasing physical activity.

    “Increasing consumption of calorie dense foods, and sugar-rich drinks and decreased physical activity are the main contributors amongst youth 39 .”

    From Type 2 diabetes in adolescents and young adults (2018) · cites this paper as [39]

    The Physical inactivity section identifies inactivity as a risk factor for type 2 diabetes, and Recommendations and policy implications advises a diet low in free sugars alongside regular activity. The paper notes younger onset of diabetes, but these passages do not establish that calorie-dense foods and sugar-rich drinks, together with inactivity, are the main contributors specifically among youth. (LLM, conf=0.84)

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Research works printed but not linked: 10

  1. Hetzel B, Michael T. The Lifestyle Factor: Lifestyle and Health. Melbourne: Penguin, 1987.
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Authors
Steyn, N., Mann, J., Bennett, P., Temple, N., Zimmet, P., Tuomilehto, J., Lindström, J., & Louheranta, A.
Affiliations
  • University of Otago (NZ)
  • National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (US)
  • Athabasca University (CA)
  • Caulfield Hospital (AU)
  • University of Eastern Finland (FI)
Corresponding author
Steyn, NP
Venue
Public Health Nutrition
Published
2004-02
Volume
7
Issue
1a
Pages
147-165
ISSN
  • 1368-9800 (ISSN-L)
  • 1475-2727
OpenAlex
W2108710614
Cited by
367
References
241
Citations by year
2026: 4 · 2025: 4 · 2024: 10 · 2023: 10 · 2022: 19 · 2021: 17 · 2020: 22 · 2019: 17 · 2018: 22 · 2017: 24 · 2016: 22 · 2015: 22 · 2014: 23 · 2013: 17 · 2012: 18
FWCI
2.15
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Public Health Nutrition (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • AUSpace (Athabasca University) (submittedVersion)
  • STM:n Hallinnonalan avoin julkaisuarkisto (Julkari) (submittedVersion)
Funders
  • World Health Organization
  • Menzies School of Health Research
  • University of Cape Town
  • Medical Research Council
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism › Diabetes, Cardiovascular Risks, and Lipoproteins
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Nutritional Studies and Diet
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Obesity, Physical Activity, Diet
Keywords
type 2 diabetes prevention, diet, lifestyle, physical activity, body mass index, overweight and obesity, abdominal obesity, impaired glucose tolerance, weight loss, saturated fat intake, trans fatty acids, omega-3 fatty acids, glycemic index, breastfeeding, fetal growth restriction, maternal diabetes, non-starch polysaccharides, dietary recommendations
MeSH terms
Clinical Trials as Topic, Diabetes Mellitus, Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2, Diet, Dietary Fats, Health Promotion, Humans, Life Style, Obesity, Risk Factors, Cohort Studies, Exercise, Evidence-Based Medicine

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