Nutrition risk and burden of type 2 diabetes in the United Arab Emirates: Prevention and implications

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is an alarming public health challenge in the United Arab Emirates. Nevertheless, nutrition is a critical modifiable risk factor influencing T2DM. Therefore, this study will critically evaluate the key nutrition-related risk factors for type 2 diabetes (T2D) in the United Arab Emirates. A literature search was conducted via Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane Library, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. Potential articles were screened against prespecified eligibility criteria. Data were systematically extracted for subsequent analysis. Fifteen research articles were included in this review. T2D showed high prevalence rates (3.4%–22.2%) in the United Arab Emirates, and combined prediabetes/diabetes affected up to 42% of the United Arab Emirates nationals and residents. Several nutrition-related factors were associated with T2D burden, including carbohydrate-rich dietary patterns and widespread obesity (30.5%–40.7% across ethnic groups). An increase in each unit of body mass index increased the risk of T2DM by 1.017%, while central adiposity affected 63%–74% of the population across different ethnic groups. Additionally, diabetic patients exhibited Vitamin B12 deficiency and poor adherence to recommended dietary guidelines, particularly the United Arab Emirates Food-Based Dietary Guidelines (Burj Model) and the MyPlate meal pattern. However, structured interventions, including lifestyle modifications, resulted in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) reductions ranging from 0.3% to 2.0%, while dietary education programs demonstrated an average HbA1c improvement of 0.6%, reflecting enhanced glycemic control. Nutrition is both a modifiable risk factor and therapeutic target, with population-level initiatives and food policy interventions showing potential for diabetes prevention and management in the United Arab Emirates.