High muscle strength is linked to a significantly lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes (T2D), even in individuals genetically predisposed to the condition, according to new research from the University of Hong Kong.
The study, published in BMC Medicine, analysed health data from over 1.4 lakh participants in the UK Biobank. It found that people with high muscle strength had a 44% lower risk of developing T2D, compared to those with lower strength.
Researchers assessed grip strength&nbsp;as a measure of muscle strength and tracked over 140,000 adults without diabetes at the start of the study for more than seven years. In that period, 4,743 new cases of T2D&nbsp;were identified.
&ldquo;The findings emphasize&nbsp;the crucial role of maintaining or enhancing muscle strength&nbsp;as a key strategy for preventing T2D in middle-aged and older adults, regardless of their genetic risk levels,&rdquo; said Dr Wang Mengyao, first author of the study and part of the School of Public Health at HKUMed.
The study also observed an interaction between genetic risk and muscle strength, suggesting that strong muscles may modify the impact of inherited risk factors.
T2D affects about 10% of the global population&nbsp;and is associated with serious complications including heart disease and stroke. While genetic predisposition plays a role, lifestyle factors&mdash;like physical activity&mdash;are critical to prevention.
The researchers hope the findings encourage public health initiatives that focus on improving muscular fitness, especially among those at higher genetic risk for diabetes. <ins><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb34ERXCnA7lrMp57S3N" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Follow the Benefit News channel on WhatsApp</a></ins>

T2D affects about 10% of the global population

Study shows muscle strength helps lower type 2 diabetes risk—regardless of genetic factors

Stronger Muscles May Cut Diabetes Risk by 44%

Study shows muscle strength helps lower type 2 diabetes risk—regardless of genetic factors

April 9, 2025 | 17:35 IST