Updated May 17, 2006

Prediabetes

In adults who have been diagnosed with prediabetes, lifestyle changes can delay or prevent the development of full-blown Type 2 diabetes. Results from the Diabetes Prevention Program, a study conducted by HHS and involving more than 3,000 participants, showed that a 5% to 7% weight loss lowered the incidence of Type 2 diabetes by 58%. The weight loss was achieved through dieting (cutting fat and calories) as well as exercising moderately (most participants chose walking) for at least 150 minutes a week. Use of the oral diabetes drug metformin (brand name Glucophage) also helped to delay the onset of diabetes in some study participants; however, it was not as effective as diet and exercise. Drug use as a treatment for prediabetes is not recommended at this time.

This article was written by Tara Dairman, an Assistant Editor at Diabetes Self-Management.

More articles on Diabetes Definitions

Statements and opinions expressed on this Web site are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the publishers or advertisers. The information provided on this Web site should not be construed as medical instruction. Consult appropriate health-care professionals before taking action based on this information.