In June 2018 researchers from the USA and China published the results of their study to assess the association between an overall healthy lifestyle, including diet, non-smoking, moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (more than 150 minutes/week) and moderate alcohol consumption (5-15 g/day women; 5-30 g/day men) with the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. 11,527 adults with diabetes type 2 with no history of cardiovascular disease or cancer at the time of their diabetes diagnosis were included in the study. The individuals were followed up for an average of 13 years, during which time there were 2,311 diagnoses of cardiovascular disease and 858 deaths from cardiovascular disease. During the period of follow-up, information on diet and lifestyle factors was repeatedly assessed every 2 to 4 years. Results showed that each low-risk lifestyle factor was associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease incidence. It was also noted that if less than 3 of the low-risk factors were followed then cardiovascular mortality appeared to increase by 40.9%. Greater improvements in healthy lifestyle factors from pre-diabetes to post-diabetes diagnosis were also significantly associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease incidence and mortality. For each number increment in low-risk lifestyle factors there was a 12% lower risk of coronary heart disease, a 21% lower risk of stroke, and a 27% lower risk of cardiovascular disease mortality
Liu G et al. Influence of Lifestyle on Incident Cardiovascular Disease and Mortality in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2018 Jun 26;71(25):2867-2876