Group and Online Lifestyle Counseling Enhance Dietary Habits in Men to Reduce Diabetes Risk

Recent research conducted at the University of Eastern Finland reveals that group-based and online lifestyle counseling programs effectively promote healthier dietary choices among middle-aged and older men. The study emphasizes that such interventions can significantly contribute to lowering the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, especially in individuals with a high genetic predisposition.

The T2D-GENE study focused on men living in eastern Finland, assessing how dietary patterns change during a three-year lifestyle intervention and how these changes influence diabetes risk. Participants in the intervention group received guidance through group sessions and a web portal, which enabled them to adopt more healthful eating habits.

Results showed that participants increased their consumption of dietary fiber, whole grains, fruits like berries, vegetables, fish, and plant-based oils. Conversely, intake of less healthy foods such as sausages, high-fat cheeses, sweets, and butter decreased. By the end of the trial, those receiving counseling were notably better at incorporating foods that support metabolic health.

A significant finding was that in individuals with genetic markers associated with increased diabetes risk, such as the TCF7L2 gene, dietary improvements—particularly higher fiber intake—had a greater protective effect. Consumption of fiber-rich foods was linked to a reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes, a benefit that was even more pronounced among those with genetic susceptibility.

The study's methods included evaluating food intake through questionnaires and food records, measuring plasma alkylresorcinol as a biomarker for whole grain intake, and performing oral glucose tolerance tests to monitor blood glucose levels. Genetic risk was assessed via risk scores based on 76 genes related to diabetes.

The research underscores the importance of resource-efficient health interventions, highlighting that group and online counseling can effectively support lifestyle changes among at-risk populations. Leading researcher Ulla Tolonen notes that such approaches are more feasible within healthcare systems and can be particularly beneficial for those with a high genetic risk.

These findings, published in the European Journal of Nutrition and Clinical Nutrition, reinforce the potential of dietary modifications in disease prevention. As type 2 diabetes continues to pose a global health challenge, scalable and accessible lifestyle interventions could play a crucial role in reducing its prevalence.