The Impact of Dietary Patterns, Medications, and Physical Activity on Type 2 Diabetes: An In-depth Analysis Using NHANES 2017-2018 Data

Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) is a significant global health concern with rising incidence, driven largely by modifiable lifestyle factors such as diet, physical activity, and medication adherence. Using data from the NHANES 2017-2018 cohort, this study analyzes the combined effects of these factors on T2D risk. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was employed to identify key dietary patterns, which were assessed along with physical activity and medication adherence via logistic regression. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables was associated with a 40% reduction in T2D risk (Adjusted OR: 0.60; 95% CI: 0.39-0.92), particularly in women over 50. In contrast, diets high in sugary and processed foods increased the risk, especially in individuals with a BMI above 30 kg/m². These findings emphasize the need for tailored dietary and lifestyle interventions, specifically targeting high-risk groups such as older adults and individuals with higher BMI, to mitigate T2D risk.