Overview
- Researchers analyzed linked survey, electronic health record, and prescription data from 98,261 adults with type 2 diabetes and no prior cardiovascular disease in the VA Million Veteran Program from 2011 to 2023.
- Adhering to all eight measured lifestyle habits was associated with a 60% lower risk of major adverse cardiovascular events, while GLP-1 use alone was associated with a 16% lower risk.
- Participants who used a GLP-1 and met six to eight healthy habits had a 43% lower risk of events compared with nonusers who met three or fewer habits.
- The eight habits assessed were higher-quality diet, regular physical activity, adequate sleep, not smoking, moderate or no alcohol use, stress management, social connection, and absence of opioid use disorder; outcomes included non-fatal stroke, myocardial infarction, and cardiovascular death.
- The study, described as the first large-scale evaluation of the joint impact of GLP-1 therapy and lifestyle on cardiovascular outcomes in this population, was published February 25 in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, with authors emphasizing that lifestyle remains central to risk reduction despite study limitations.