Diabetes in your genes? Your plate and your feet still have a say

Having a high genetic risk of type 2 diabetes does not guarantee the disease will develop, according to new research. A study of 56,964 UK Biobank participants found that 7.8 years of follow-up resulted in 926 cases of type 2 diabetes. The research indicates that increasing consumption of ultra-processed foods by 10% raises the risk of developing diabetes by 7%.

Conversely, engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per week reduces the risk by 39%. Activities such as brisk walking, cycling, hiking, and energetic gardening can contribute to this target. The study reveals that diet and exercise together have the most significant impact. Among individuals with high genetic susceptibility, a combination of lower ultra-processed food intake and recommended levels of physical activity was linked to a 49% lower risk of type 2 diabetes.

While the study is observational and cannot definitively prove causation, it reinforces the notion that while genes play a role, everyday choices can also significantly influence the risk of developing the condition. The findings were presented at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) in 2026.