A recent study has shown the efficacy of making lifestyle changes in preventing the transition from prediabetes to diabetes.
The article “Prevention of diabetes from prediabetes in real world setting in South India,” published in the Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome: Clinical Research and Reviews, by Vijay Viswanathan and a team of doctors from M.V. Hospital for Diabetes, along with Prof. M. Viswanathan of Diabetes Research Centre, delves into the impact of lifestyle changes in individuals diagnosed with prediabetes.
The study involved 200 participants aged 25 to 65, diagnosed with prediabetes after an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test. Half received standard care, while the other half received intensive counselling on physical activity and diet intervention.
The intervention group received advice on physical activity, including walking for 150 minutes a week and tailored recommendations based on their age and profession. Additionally, dietary recommendations focused on reducing calorie intake, refined carbohydrates, fat, and sugar, while increasing fibre consumption.
The findings of the study demonstrated a significantly lower conversion rate of prediabetes to diabetes in the intervention group. Moreover, a significant number of individuals in the intervention group experienced a reversal of prediabetes, supporting the efficacy of lifestyle modifications. The study also noted a marked reduction in glucose and HbA1c levels in the intervention group, highlighting the positive impact of lifestyle changes on diabetes prevention and management.
The authors concluded that simple lifestyle interventions in a real-world setting could effectively prevent the progression from prediabetes to diabetes, as well as reverse prediabetes. They emphasized the importance of normalizing blood glucose levels through targeted interventions for high-risk groups.
While the study acknowledged the limitations of not being a randomized controlled trial, its findings provide valuable insights into the benefits of lifestyle modifications in preventing the onset of diabetes.
This research highlights the significance of proactive measures, such as physical activity and dietary modifications, in managing prediabetes and preventing its progression to diabetes. It underscores the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle to safeguard against the development of this chronic condition.