Lifestyle Practices and Glycaemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus:A Scoping Review of the Evidence
Keywords:
lifestyle practices, glycaemic controll, type2 diabetis mellitus, primary careAbstract
Background: The majority of disease conditions encountered by family physicians - including type 2 diabetes mellitus
(T2DM) - are primarily facilitated by poor lifestyle practices. Lifestyle management is the foundation of chronic disease
management guidelines, aimed at reducing morbidity and mortality. Understanding the lifestyle practices that influence
glycaemic control is essential for developing effective interventions.
Objective: This scoping review aimed to map the available evidence on the association between lifestyle practices and
glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, with particular attention to the six pillars of lifestyle medicine.
Methods: This scoping review was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews
and reported in accordance with the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). A systematic search of
five electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, and African Journals Online) was conducted for
studies published between 2016 and 2024. Ten key studies were synthesised, including primary research from Iraq,
Mexico, Nigeria, Iran, Tanzania, Guyana, Malaysia, the Netherlands, and systematic reviews with global and sub-
Saharan African focus.
Findings: Lifestyle practices significantly influence glycaemic control in T2DM patients. Dietary modification,
particularly plant-based and low-carbohydrate approaches, reduces HbA1c by an average of 0.8-1.13%. Regular
physical activity improves glycaemic control and reduces cardiovascular risk. Sleep duration, stress management,
alcohol cessation, and social support are emerging as important factors. The pooled prevalence of good glycaemic control
in sub-Saharan Africa was 30%. Factors associated with poor control include longer diabetes duration, poor sleep,
alcohol consumption, and non-adherence to follow-up.
Conclusion: Lifestyle interventions are evidence-based and effective for improving glycaemic control in T2DM. Family
physicians must prioritise lifestyle counselling and advocate for supportive policies. Further research is needed on
intervention feasibility, affordability, and acceptability in diverse populations.
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