Mixed
While genetic risk for type 2 diabetes exerts a stronger relative effect on leaner and younger individuals, obesity creates such a high absolute risk that universal lifestyle interventions targeting weight management are more effective for prevention than targeted genetic screening.
Don't wait for a genetic test to decide if you should manage your weight. The study proves that carrying 'high-risk' genes matters less for your actual chance of getting diabetes than being obese. If you are lean, your genetic risk is relatively higher, but your absolute risk is still very low (less than 1% over 10 years). If you are obese, your risk is high (up to 8%) regardless of your genes. Therefore, focus on maintaining a healthy weight through diet and activity; it is the most powerful lever you have, regardless of your DNA.
The relative effect of a T2D genetic risk score is greater in younger and leaner participants. However, this subgroup is at low absolute risk and would not be a logical target for preventive interventions. The high absolute risk associated with obesity at any level of genetic risk highlights the importance of universal rather than targeted approaches to lifestyle intervention.
Why this rating
Large-scale case-cohort study (EPIC InterAct) with 12,403 incident cases and rigorous statistical adjustment.
Source
Gene-Lifestyle Interaction and Type 2 Diabetes: The EPIC InterAct Case-Cohort Study
Claudia Langenberg et al. · PLoS Medicine · 2014
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