Improved eating habits, weight loss, and increased physical activity are credited with reducing the risk of diabetes by 58% in individuals at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. In a Finnish research study, a total of 522 people with impaired glucose tolerance were assigned to a control group or an intervention group. Those in the intervention group received individualized counseling aimed at reducing weight, reducing total intake of fat and of saturated fat, increasing intake of fiber, and increasing physical activity.

After 1 year, those in the intervention group had lost 9.24 pounds, compared to 1.76 pounds in the control group. At the end of 2 years, the figures were 7.7 pounds for the intervention group and still 1.76 pounds for the control group.

The incidence of diabetes after 4 years was 11% in the intervention group and 23% in the control group. The researchers noted that the reduction in the incidence of diabetes was directly associated with changes in lifestyle.

Related information Lifestyle Changes