New research from the UK offers strong motivation to lift weights: higher muscle strength is linked to a significantly lower risk of type 2 diabetes—even for those genetically at risk. The study followed over 140,000 diabetes-free adults for 7.4 years, measuring grip strength as a marker for overall muscle strength. Results showed that individuals with high muscle strength had a 44% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to those with low strength. These findings highlight the power of strength training as a preventative tool, regardless of your genetic predisposition. Time to grab those kettlebells!