Lifestyle habits and type 2 diabetes traits in patients from healthcare centers in Dubai, United Arab Emirates: a cross-sectional study

Our results showed that patients with T2D consumed a healthier diet than nondiabetic subjects, probably resulting in more favorable total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol profiles. A gender difference in physical activity was also observed in this sample of UAE population. Our findings suggest that although patients with T2D in the UAE may adopt healthier dietary habits, there remains a significant need to address physical activity disparities, particularly among women, to improve overall health outcomes in this population. Addressing these habits through targeted clinical interventions and lifestyle medicine approach can optimize long-term management and prevention strategies for type 2 diabetes in this region.