Among overweight or obese adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D), long-term lifestyle interventions may reduce long-term disability that may positively affect disability-free life expectancy, but not total life expectancy, a recent study found. Overweight or obese adults aged 45-76 years with T2D (n=5,145) were randomly assigned to a 10-year intensive lifestyle intervention (ILI) or diabetes support and education (DSE). Physical function was assessed annually for 12 years. Researchers found:

• Physical disability incidence was lower in the ILI group (6.0% per year) vs the DSE group (6.8% per year).
• Rates of disability remission and mortality did not differ between groups.
• ILI participants had a significant delay in moderate or severe disability onset and an increase in number of nondisabled years vs DSE participants.
• There was no difference in total years of life expectancy between groups.