Tackling type 2 diabetes in Qatar: integrating nutrition, physical activity, and policy reforms for national health advancement

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a rising public health concern in Qatar. The relationship between lifestyle factors and T2DM represents one of the most significant public health challenges facing modern societies, with particular relevance to the State of Qatar and the broader Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region currently exhibits some of the highest T2DM prevalence rates globally, with the Gulf states experiencing particularly rapid increases that parallel their accelerated economic development and societal transformation. This increase in T2DM has been brought about by sedentary lifestyle-related obesity and dietary patterns rich in carbohydrates, particularly from traditional and modern convenience foods. Physical inactivity is further lowered by environmental barriers, including extreme heat, and increased screen time, adding to risks of developing T2DM. This paper highlights these lifestyle factors and proposes interventions such as inclusion of low-glycemic, fiber-dense foods, customized exercise interventions, and food labeling policies. Tackling these issues through culturally and environmentally tailored strategies is essential to reducing T2DM prevalence while preserving Qatar’s traditions. This review synthesizes evidence to propose Qatar-specific, climate-adaptive, and culturally aligned strategies not previously emphasized in the T2DM literature, offering a novel framework for future public health interventions.