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August 19, 2025Open Access

The Influence of a Christian, Seventh-Day Adventist Lifestyle Based on Religious Principles on the Risk of Developing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Key Points

A healthier lifestyle rooted in religious principles significantly reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Individuals with better lifestyle scores showed a lower likelihood of being in higher risk categories for type 2 diabetes (X2 = 100.34, p < 0.05).
Analysis used a non-experimental quantitative approach with a cross-sectional design, assessing 303 active Seventh-Day Adventist members.
Findings suggest that cultivating better nutrition and spirituality can lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, highlighting the importance of lifestyle changes.

Abstract

Background: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a growing global health concern, closely linked to modifiable lifestyle factors. Emerging evidence suggests that religious principles can shape behaviors that promote physical and mental well-being. Objective: This study explores how adherence to a lifestyle rooted in Seventh-Day Adventist beliefs may influence the risk of developing T2DM. Methods: This study is of a non-experimental quantitative design with a cross-sectional and explanatory scope. The sample consisted of 303 participants (adults who had been active Seventh-Day Adventist Church, SDA, members for the past 3 years), selected by non-probabilistic convenience sampling. Data were collected using the Adventist Lifestyle questionnaire (eight dimensions) and the FINDRISC scale. The non-parametric statistics, Rho Spearman, and ordinal logistic regression analysis were used. Results: The results showed that lifestyle levels based on religious principles significantly predicted the risk of developing T2DM (X2 = 100.34, p < 0.05). The model explained approximately 31% of the variance in T2DM risk (R2 = 0.31), indicating a moderate association between lifestyle and risk. Specifically, individuals with lower (less healthy) lifestyle scores had a significantly higher likelihood of being classified in higher risk categories for T2DM. It was also observed that there is a significant relationship between the risk of developing T2DM and the following dimensions: Rest (rho = −0.16, p < 0.05), exercise (rho = −0.13, p < 0.05), temperance (rho = −0.19, p < 0.05), nutrition (rho = −0.66, p < 0.05) and spirituality (rho = −0.57, p < 0.05). Conclusions: A healthier lifestyle promoted by religious principles, such as the SDA, reduces the risk of developing T2DM. A stronger correlation was perceived between nutrition and spirituality since these practices are related to a low risk of developing the disease.

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