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Higher dietary quality and physical activity are associated with better glycemic control in hospitalized patients with type 2 diabetes, with trait mindfulness (Act with Awareness) moderating these associations.

In a cross-sectional study of 400 hospitalized patients with T2DM, higher dietary scores were associated with lower HbA1c (β = -0.019, 95% CI: -0.032 to -0.005) and fasting blood glucose (β = -0.023, 95% CI: -0.042 to -0.003). Physical activity was negatively associated with HbA1c (β = -0.002, 95% CI: -0.004 to 0.000) but not with FBG. Significant interactions with Act with Awareness were found for both outcomes.

Last updated: Aug 10, 2026•0 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score34/100
Human RCT☆☆☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Associations of dietary quality and physical activity with glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes: the moderating role of trait mindfulness.

observational

Li J, Zhang D, Zhu W, Zhang H, Liu C, Zhang F, Yan M, Fan K · Frontiers in endocrinology (2026)

Participants: 400
Duration: Cross-sectional (data collected from December 2023 to June 2025)
Intervention: Dietary quality (structured dietary score) and physical activity (self-reported weekly exercise duration), with trait mindfulness as a moderator.
Outcome: Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and fasting blood glucose (FBG), both natural log-transformed.
Effect Size: β = -0.019 (HbA1c, dietary), β = -0.023 (FBG, dietary), β = -0.002 (HbA1c, physical activity)
Population: 400 hospitalized patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University.

Result: In a cross-sectional study of 400 hospitalized patients with T2DM, higher dietary scores were associated with lower HbA1c (β = -0.019, 95% CI: -0.032 to -0.005) and fasting blood glucose (β = -0.023, 95% CI: -0.042 to -0.003). Physical activity was negatively associated with HbA1c (β = -0.002, 95% CI: -0.004 to 0.000) but not with FBG. Significant interactions with Act with Awareness were found for both outcomes.

PubMed: 42558546DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2026.1910587

Mechanism Graph

Dietary quality and physical activity are fundamental components of glycemic management.
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Glycemic responses to lifestyle behaviors may vary across individuals.
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Psychological self-regulation traits, such as trait mindfulness (Act with Awareness), may moderate these associations.
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Higher dietary quality and physical activity are associated with better glycemic control, with mindfulness modifying the strength of these associations.

Limitations

  • ⚠Cross-sectional design prevents causal inference.
  • ⚠Physical activity was self-reported, which may introduce recall bias.
  • ⚠Study population was hospitalized patients, limiting generalizability to outpatient or community settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of trait mindfulness in the link between diet and glycemic control?▼

Trait mindfulness, specifically the Act with Awareness dimension, significantly moderated the associations between dietary quality and both HbA1c and FBG, and between physical activity and HbA1c, suggesting that mindfulness may alter the strength of these lifestyle-glycemic relationships.

Does physical activity affect fasting blood glucose in this study?▼

No, physical activity was not significantly associated with fasting blood glucose in the fully adjusted model.

What was the sample size and study design?▼

The study included 400 hospitalized patients with T2DM and used a cross-sectional design, with data collected between December 2023 and June 2025.

How were dietary quality and physical activity measured?▼

Dietary quality was assessed using a structured dietary score, and physical activity was evaluated based on self-reported weekly exercise duration.

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References

  1. 1.Li J, Zhang D, Zhu W, Zhang H, Liu C, Zhang F, Yan M, Fan K. "Associations of dietary quality and physical activity with glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes: the moderating role of trait mindfulness.." Frontiers in endocrinology, 2026. PMID: 42558546 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2026.1910587
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.