New Delhi: A new study suggests that while healthy eating, regular exercise and weight loss remain the cornerstone of preventing type 2 diabetes, they may not protect everyone equally. Researchers found that some people continued to develop signs associated with type 2 diabetes despite making long-term lifestyle changes and achieving sustained weight loss.

The findings highlight that the risk of type 2 diabetes depends not only on lifestyle but also on factors such as genetics, insulin production, fat distribution and individual metabolic differences. Researchers say the results support a more personalised approach to diabetes prevention rather than relying solely on general lifestyle recommendations.

Study reveals different responses to lifestyle changes

The research examined how people responded to long-term weight loss and healthier lifestyle habits over an extended period.

While many participants experienced significant improvements in blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity, others continued to show insulin resistance and remained at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes despite losing weight.

The findings, published in the journal Diabetes, indicate that weight loss alone does not fully explain improvements in metabolic health.

Lead researcher Professor Norbert Stefan said the team was surprised to observe that some participants continued to experience rising blood glucose levels and declining insulin production even after maintaining an average weight loss of 8 per cent over a nine-year follow-up period.

Understanding insulin resistance

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps move glucose from the bloodstream into the body’s cells, where it is used for energy.

When the body’s cells become less responsive to insulin, the pancreas has to produce increasing amounts of the hormone to maintain normal blood sugar levels. This condition is known as insulin resistance.

Over time, the pancreas may no longer be able to meet the body’s insulin requirements, causing blood glucose levels to rise and eventually leading to type 2 diabetes.

Researchers note that insulin resistance often develops gradually and may exist for years before diabetes is diagnosed.

Why lifestyle changes affect people differently

According to the researchers, several biological factors influence how individuals respond to weight loss and healthy lifestyle changes.

Genetics can increase a person’s susceptibility to insulin resistance, while the location of body fat also plays a role. Fat stored around internal organs is generally considered more harmful than fat stored beneath the skin.

Other contributing factors include natural differences in insulin production, the body’s ability to process sugar and burn fat, hormonal conditions and underlying metabolic disorders.

These differences help explain why two people following similar diets and exercise routines may experience different outcomes.

Healthy habits remain essential

Despite the findings, researchers emphasised that the study does not suggest diet and exercise are ineffective.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle continues to offer numerous health benefits, including better heart health, lower blood pressure, healthier cholesterol levels and improved insulin sensitivity in many individuals.

Regular physical activity and a balanced diet also remain among the most effective ways to delay or prevent type 2 diabetes for the majority of people at risk.

Even for individuals who eventually develop diabetes, these lifestyle measures remain crucial for controlling blood sugar levels and reducing the risk of long-term complications.

Personalised prevention may be the future

The study suggests that diabetes prevention strategies may need to become more personalised, particularly for individuals with higher inherited or metabolic risk.

Researchers say people with a family history of diabetes, excess abdominal fat, prediabetes, high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels or other metabolic conditions may benefit from earlier screening, regular monitoring and individualised care plans.

Doctors may also recommend tailored nutrition advice, additional blood tests or preventive medications for selected high-risk individuals.

The researchers conclude that while healthy lifestyle habits remain fundamental, understanding each person’s unique genetic and metabolic profile could improve efforts to prevent type 2 diabetes and identify those who require more intensive intervention.