Editorial: (un)healthy lifestyles, aging, and type 2 diabetes

Duarte-Mendes, Pedro; Fernanda M. Silva; Teixeira, Ana M.

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.1/28103

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Authors

Duarte-Mendes, Pedro

Fernanda M. Silva

Teixeira, Ana M.

Abstract(s)

Recent estimates from the IDF Diabetes Atlas indicate that diabetes affects 589 million adults worldwide in 2024, with type 2 diabetes (T2D) accounting for more than 90% of cases (International Diabetes Federation, 2025). This number is projected to reach 853 million by 2050. Age is an important risk factor for T2D, with estimates indicating that one in four adults with the disease (158 million) are over 65 years old. Poor lifestyle factors, such as lack of exercise, sedentary behavior, and poor diet, are important underlying factors in the development of obesity and insulin resistance, leading to T2D and cardiovascular disease (Lu et al., 2024; Bowden Davies et al., 2018). On the other hand, effective interventions, such as regular exercise and a healthy diet, have been recommended to improve glucose metabolism in both diabetic and non-diabetic individuals (Silva et al., 2024; Syeda et al., 2023; Kim and Kwon, 2024). In addition to engaging in regular exercise, studies have demonstrated the benefits of interrupting sitting time with regular bouts of movement (Syeda et al., 2023). Given the high prevalence of T2D, mainly in the middle-aged and elderly population, it is important to investigate the impact of (un)healthy lifestyles on metabolic markers and to create a set of strategies to prevent or control T2D and its related complications. This Research Topic, Editorial: (Un)healthy lifestyles, Aging, and Type 2 Diabetes, addresses these questions through nine complementary contributions.