Knowledge, attitude, and practice of allied healthcare professionals about lifestyle medicine for diabetes: A cross-sectional study

Background Lifestyle Medicine (LM) is a rapidly expanding discipline that focuses on changing lifestyle factors to prevent, manage, and even reverse chronic diseases like diabetes mellitus. (DM). Despite its clinical significance, limited evidence exists regarding allied healthcare professionals’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) toward LM in diabetes care. Objective This study evaluated the KAP related to lifestyle medicine among allied healthcare professionals participating in diabetes management in Saudi Arabia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted including 353 allied healthcare providers from various specialties. Data were collected using a self-administered online survey. KAP levels were categorized using a ≥ 70% threshold. Chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression utilized to identify associations and predictors of good KAP. Results Only 15.9% demonstrated good knowledge of lifestyle medicine, 37.7% showed positive attitudes, and 42.5% reported good practice in diabetes care. Knowledge and practice varied by professional specialization ( p < 0.001), with dietitians demonstrating the highest knowledge (78.8%) and good practice (45.5%). Attitude and practice were significantly associated with academic degree ( p = 0.003 and p = 0.005). In multivariable analyses, professional specialty was the strongest predictor of knowledge and practice, while academic degree independently predicted attitude and practice. Conclusion Allied healthcare professionals demonstrate positive attitudes toward lifestyle medicine, yet gaps remain in knowledge and practice. Professional specialty and academic qualification were key determinants of KAP, underscoring the need for targeted interdisciplinary training. These findings highlight the importance of educational strategies, policy initiatives, and broader adoption of lifestyle medicine in diabetes care locally and globally.