Overview of the T2D-GENE study
A new study from the University of Eastern Finland shows that group-based and online lifestyle counselling can help middle-aged and older men make healthier dietary choices that reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. The T2D-GENE project tracked men living in the eastern part of Finland over three years, examining not only dietary changes but also how genetic predisposition to diabetes influences the benefits gained from those changes.
The intervention combined two resource-efficient formats: group sessions conducted in community or clinical settings and a supportive web portal. Together, these modalities aimed to promote sustainable changes in daily eating habits without requiring intensive individual coaching.
What group-based and online counselling achieved
Men who participated in the intervention group adopted clear, health-promoting dietary patterns. They increased their intake of fibre, whole grains, berries, vegetables, fish, and plant-based oils. At the same time, reported consumption of sausages, high-fat cheeses, low-fibre grain products, sweets, and butter declined. By the end of the study, those receiving the counselling generally consumed more health-promoting foods than those in the control group.
Key dietary changes observed
The observed shifts align with recommended diabetes prevention strategies. Higher fibre and more plant-forward, minimally processed foods are associated with improved glycemic control and a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The study highlights that providing structured guidance through group settings and online resources can help individuals translate general dietary advice into concrete, everyday choices.
The role of genetics in diabetes risk reduction
A particularly notable finding concerns the interaction between genetic risk and dietary change. Participants who carried a higher number of diabetes-associated risk genes benefited more from the diet changes promoted by the counselling. In addition, individuals with the TCF7L2 genetic variant—an established risk factor for type 2 diabetes—showed the greatest reduction in risk when fibre intake met nutrition recommendations. This suggests that targeted dietary strategies can attenuate genetic susceptibility to diabetes.
Implications for health care and public health
The results emphasize a practical takeaway for health systems: scaleable, resource-efficient approaches such as group-based and online counselling can deliver meaningful benefits, particularly for people at higher genetic risk. As Dr. Ulla Tolonen from the University of Eastern Finland notes, group and online formats are more resource-efficient than traditional one-on-one counselling while still supporting sustained lifestyle change. The findings imply that healthcare providers could extend reach and impact by integrating these modalities into diabetes prevention programs.
Practical takeaways for readers
While the study focused on men in a specific region, the underlying principle is broadly applicable: structured, accessible support can translate dietary advice into real-world actions. Individuals looking to reduce diabetes risk can start with a few evidence-based steps mirrored in the study, such as increasing daily fibre intake, choosing whole grains, incorporating more berries and vegetables, prioritizing fish and plant-based oils, and reducing processed meats, high-fat cheeses, and sugary foods. For those at heightened genetic risk, consistent adherence to fibre-rich, nutritionally balanced meals may offer outsized benefits.
Conclusion
The T2D-GENE study adds to a growing body of evidence that lifestyle counselling, delivered through group settings and digital platforms, is an effective and efficient route to diabetes prevention. By enabling sustained dietary improvements, these programs can help high-risk men lower their odds of developing type 2 diabetes and may offer a scalable blueprint for public health interventions worldwide.
