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The Evidence Is In: Lifestyle Interventions Can Prevent DiabetesNutrition Concepts by Franz, Inc, 6635 Limerick Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55439; MarionFranz{at}aol.com Early epidemiological and clinical trials suggested that type 2 diabetes could be prevented or delayed by lifestyle modifications. The Finnish Diabetes Prevention Study and the Diabetes Prevention Programs provided conclusive evidence that type 2 diabetes could be prevented or delayed with modest lifestyle changes5% to 7% loss of body weight and 150 min/week of physical activity. Both used intensive intervention strategies and continued support and follow-up to achieve study goals. Other smaller studies made similar observations. Various medicationsmetformin, acarbose, troglitazone and pioglitazone, orlistat, and rosiglitazoneand bariatric surgery have also been effective for the prevention or delay of diabetes. Nutrient factors studied include the contribution of a high dietary fat intake, especially saturated fat, to the development of diabetes and increased intake of fiber, whole grains, and alcohol to decreased risk. A review of the evidence led the American Diabetes Association to conclude that lifestyle interventions should be the first choice for prevention or delay of diabetes and that drug therapy should not be a substitute for lifestyle interventionshealthy and appropriate food choices and physical activity.
Key Words: prevention or delay of type 2 diabetes modest weight loss physical activity clinical trials
American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, Vol. 1, No. 2,
113-121 (2007) |
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