A study using data from the UK Biobank has found that people with type 2 diabetes who adhered more closely to a Mediterranean lifestyle had significantly lower risks of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), cardiovascular death and all‑cause mortality over long‑term follow‑up.
Key findings from the cohort
Researchers followed 3,612 British adults with type 2 diabetes, assessing dietary patterns, physical activity, sleep and social behaviours using the validated MEDLIFE index. The analysis, published in eClinicalMedicine, examined associations between MEDLIFE scores and the risk of MACE — defined to include heart failure, ischaemic stroke, myocardial infarction, revascularisation and cardiovascular death — as well as overall mortality.
The authors note global context: prevalence of type 2 diabetes is projected to rise by 62% from 2021 to 2050, affecting more than 1.27 billion people worldwide. People with type 2 diabetes face up to a 2.5‑fold higher risk of major cardiovascular events compared with those without diabetes.
What the researchers did
- Included participants aged 40–70 years from the UK Biobank who had type 2 diabetes at baseline and completed at least two dietary assessments.
- Assessed diet with repeated 24‑hour dietary recalls using the Oxford WebQ questionnaire and captured lifestyle components via the UK Biobank touchscreen questionnaire.
- Calculated MEDLIFE scores to reflect adherence to Mediterranean dietary patterns and complementary habits such as physical activity, rest and social interactions.
Results and implications
The study reported that greater adherence to the MEDLIFE index was associated with lower rates of MACE, lower cardiovascular mortality and reduced all‑cause mortality during follow‑up. The findings add evidence that, beyond glucose control, comprehensive lifestyle patterns that combine healthy eating with adequate physical activity, restorative sleep and social engagement may reduce cardiovascular risk in people with type 2 diabetes.
Authors emphasise that most evidence for the Mediterranean lifestyle in diabetes comes from Mediterranean countries; this analysis provides data from a non‑Mediterranean cohort, supporting the potential wider applicability of lifestyle approaches modelled on Mediterranean habits.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Number of participants | 3,612 |
| Age range | 40–70 years |
| Projected global rise in T2D (2021–2050) | 62% |
| Estimated people with T2D by 2050 | 1.27 billion |
Limitations and cautious interpretation
The researchers acknowledge limitations common to observational analyses. Associations do not prove causation, and the MEDLIFE score reflects combined behaviours that may be influenced by other socioeconomic or healthcare factors. The cohort is British and the dietary assessments relied on repeated 24‑hour recalls, which can be subject to measurement error.
Despite these caveats, the findings are consistent with prior research linking Mediterranean dietary patterns and lifestyle components to lower cardiovascular risk. For clinicians and people living with diabetes, the study reinforces the value of a holistic approach to risk reduction that includes diet, activity, sleep and social connection alongside established medical management.
If you have diabetes or concerns about heart disease, consult your doctor, clinic or a registered dietitian before changing medications or making major lifestyle adjustments. Personalised advice is essential: what works for one person may not be suitable for another.
Source: Analysis published in eClinicalMedicine using UK Biobank data.
