People with prediabetes can lower their risk of death and diabetes-related complications by delaying the onset of diabetes for at least four years through diet and exercise, as stated in a recent study published in PLOS Medicine.
Type 2 diabetes is linked to an increased risk of death and disability and has a significant economic impact globally. Making lifestyle changes, such as adopting a healthy diet and increasing physical activity, can help delay or prevent the development of diabetes in individuals with prediabetes, also known as impaired glucose tolerance. However, the study aimed to determine how long delaying diabetes could lead to better long-term health.
The study analyzed data from 540 prediabetic individuals who took part in the Da Qing Diabetes Prevention Study, conducted in China over six years starting in 1986. The participants were divided into different groups, including a control group and three lifestyle intervention groups focusing on diet, exercise, or a combination of both. The researchers followed up with the participants for over 30 years.
The researchers found that those who managed to delay the onset of diabetes for at least four years after their initial diagnosis had a lower risk of death and cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks or strokes, compared to those who developed diabetes earlier. This protective effect was not observed in individuals who delayed diabetes for less than four years.
The study concluded that the longer a person with prediabetes can delay the onset of diabetes, the better their long-term health outcomes will be. Even a few years of maintaining prediabetic status can provide benefits in the long run.
The authors of the study suggest that interventions targeting individuals with impaired glucose tolerance should be considered to prevent diabetes and related complications, as they can lead to better health outcomes and reduced mortality.
