Healthy Lifestyle Combined With GLP-1 RA Use Lowers Cardiovascular Risk in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes – Pharmacy Times

Report on Integrated Health Strategies for Non-Communicable Diseases in Alignment with SDG 3

Introduction: Advancing SDG 3 Through Combined Therapeutic Approaches

A recent study highlights a significant advancement in the management of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and its associated cardiovascular risks, directly contributing to the objectives of Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being). Findings scheduled for presentation at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2025 indicate that combining GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) therapy with healthy lifestyle modifications provides a synergistic effect in reducing major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). This integrated approach is critical for achieving SDG Target 3.4, which aims to reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) through prevention and treatment.

Key Findings: A Dual-Pronged Strategy for Cardiovascular Risk Reduction

Synergistic Impact of Lifestyle and Pharmacotherapy

The research, which analyzed data from over 63,000 individuals in the Million Veteran Program, demonstrates the potent efficacy of a combined health strategy. The primary outcomes underscore the importance of holistic patient care in promoting long-term health and well-being.

• Individuals adopting six or more healthy lifestyle habits in conjunction with GLP-1 RA treatment experienced a 50% lower risk of MACE compared to those with fewer healthy habits receiving standard care.
• This outcome strongly supports a preventative healthcare model that aligns with SDG 3, emphasizing the reduction of NCDs such as heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular-related death.
• The study validates that while GLP-1 RAs are effective, their benefits are significantly amplified when integrated with proactive lifestyle management.

Core Lifestyle Interventions for Health and Well-being

The study identified several key lifestyle factors, each independently associated with a lower cardiovascular risk. The adoption of multiple factors provides the most substantial protection, reinforcing the principles of promoting healthy lifestyles as a cornerstone of public health and SDG 3.

1. Healthy Eating
2. Regular Physical Activity
3. Adequate Sleep
4. Non-Smoking Status
5. Moderate Alcohol Intake
6. Stress Management
7. Social Connection

Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

Promoting Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3)

The findings provide a clear, evidence-based pathway for healthcare systems to more effectively combat the global burden of NCDs. The emphasis on lifestyle modification as a foundational element of care ensures that health promotion is central to disease management. Lead study author Xuan-Mai Nguyen, MD, PhD, noted, “Lifestyle modifications are recommended as the cornerstone for preventing and managing type 2 diabetes.” This approach is fundamental to achieving sustainable health outcomes for all.

Addressing Health Inequalities (SDG 10)

The research also carries implications for SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). While advanced medications like GLP-1 RAs may not be universally accessible, the study confirms that adopting healthy lifestyle habits alone can substantially lower cardiovascular risk. This finding is crucial for developing equitable health strategies that empower individuals in diverse socioeconomic settings to improve their health outcomes, thereby reducing health disparities within and among countries. However, the study’s limitations, including a primary cohort of older white male veterans, highlight the need for further research across more diverse populations to ensure findings are broadly applicable and support inclusive health policies.

Conclusion and Recommendations

The evidence strongly suggests that an integrated strategy combining pharmacological treatment with dedicated lifestyle improvements offers the most effective method for reducing cardiovascular risk in patients with T2D. To accelerate progress toward SDG 3, healthcare professionals and policymakers should prioritize a dual approach that emphasizes both medication and lifestyle. As stated by Chiadi E. Ndumele, MD, PhD, FAHA, “health care professionals should really be emphasizing both to achieve the best clinical outcomes for our patients.” This holistic model represents a sustainable and powerful tool in the global effort to promote health and well-being for all ages.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The primary Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) addressed in the article is:

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: The article’s entire focus is on improving health outcomes and reducing the risk of disease. It specifically discusses strategies for managing type 2 diabetes (T2D) and preventing major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), which are central to ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages. The research highlights the importance of prevention and treatment of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) through a combination of medication and lifestyle changes.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s discussion of non-communicable diseases, lifestyle factors, and medical treatments, the following specific targets under SDG 3 can be identified:

1. Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
   
   The article directly relates to this target by investigating methods to lower the risk of “major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular-related death” in patients with T2D. The study’s main finding—that combining GLP-1 RA therapy with healthy habits leads to a “50% lower risk” of these events—is a clear example of using prevention (lifestyle) and treatment (medication) to reduce mortality from NCDs.
2. Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol.
   
   The article identifies “non-smoking status” and “moderate alcohol intake” as key healthy lifestyle factors that are “independently associated with lower cardiovascular risk.” This directly supports the goal of preventing the harmful use of substances like tobacco and alcohol as a component of overall health and disease prevention.
3. Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential health-care services and access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all.
   
   The article touches upon this target by discussing the significant benefits of GLP-1 RAs, a class of modern medications. The statement, “if someone does not have access to GLP-1 RAs, adopting healthy lifestyle habits can still lower the risk,” implicitly acknowledges the issue of unequal access to essential medicines and highlights the importance of making such effective treatments available to achieve the best clinical outcomes.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article mentions and implies several indicators that can be used to measure progress:

• Incidence of Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events (MACE): This is a direct, quantifiable indicator for Target 3.4. The article uses the reduction in MACE (heart attack, stroke, cardiovascular-related death) as its primary outcome. The finding of a “50% lower risk” provides a specific metric to measure the effectiveness of combined interventions in reducing premature mortality from NCDs.
• Prevalence of Healthy Lifestyle Habits: The article implies that the adoption rate of healthy behaviors is a key indicator. It specifically lists “healthy eating, regular physical activity, adequate sleep, non-smoking status, moderate alcohol intake, stress management, and social connection.” The study’s design, which compared those with “6 or more healthy lifestyle habits” to others, suggests that the number and prevalence of these habits in a population are measurable indicators of progress in disease prevention.
• Access to and Use of Essential Medicines: An implied indicator for Target 3.8 is the proportion of the patient population with access to and use of effective medications like GLP-1 RAs. The article’s contrast between patients who can combine medication with lifestyle changes and those who may not have access to the drugs points to medication access as a critical factor in achieving optimal health outcomes.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: pharmacytimes.com