Diet/Exercise Best For Preventing Pre-Diabetes
Lifestyle changes are far more effective than drugs for preventing the Metabolic Syndrome, a cluster of problems that can lead to diabetes and cardiovascular disease, according to a large, new, federally-funded study of 3,234 men and women.
Lead investigator Dr. Trevor Orchard at the University of Pittsburgh and colleagues called the effects of lifestyle change “dramatic.”
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Diabetes Prevention Program
At the beginning of the study, named the Diabetes Prevention Program, none of the subjects had type 2 diabetes, but they were on their way. All were struggling with high blood sugar, and more than half were diagnosed with the Metabolic Syndrome, which means they had three of more of the following five problems: abdominal obesity, high triglycerides, low HDL good cholesterol, high blood pressure, and elevated fasting blood sugar. (For more information on the syndrome, see the January/February 05 issue of Pritikin Perspective.)
The scientists randomly divided the 3,234 pre-diabetics into three different groups. The first group was given the anti-diabetes drug metformin (brand name is Glucophage). The second received a placebo.
The third group received intensive lifestyle intervention – 16 educational workshops plus several refresher sessions, all centered on “losing weight through physical activity and a healthy low-calorie, low-fat diet,” wrote the authors.
Healthful Carbohydrates, Low In Fat
The lifestyle group was taught to be a “fat detective” and steer away from high-calorie/high-fat foods. The optimal diet, the workshops emphasized, was one rich in healthful carbohydrates like vegetables, fruits, and fiber-rich whole grains, supplemented with modest servings of lean protein like nonfat dairy foods and lean meat. (Sound familiar?)
Class titles included: “Move Those Muscles,” “Vegetarian Food Options,” “Healthy Eating On the Town,” “Healthful, Low-Fat Cooking,” “Managing Binges,” and “Staying Motivated.” (Yes, the education closely resembled the education you received at Pritikin.)
The two key goals of the lifestyle intervention approach were: 1) Maintain a weight reduction of at least 7%, and 2) Engage in physical activity of moderate activity, such as brisk walking, for at least 2 ½ hours a week.
Lifestyle More Than Twice As Effective As Drugs
At the three-year follow-up, the incidence of Metabolic Syndrome was reduced by 41% in the lifestyle group and by 17% in the metformin group compared with the placebo group. Healthy diet and regular exercise, in short, were nearly 2 ½ times more effective than medication at getting rid of the Metabolic Syndrome. ...
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Pritikin Perspective - Healthy Living Made
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Pritikin Perspective is a publication for Alumni of the Pritikin Longevity Center.
It is dedicated to helping people make healthy changes in their lives. The articles
in this publication should not be considered specific medical advice, as each
individual circumstance is different. You are strongly encouraged to seek medical
advice before beginning a program of diet and exercise.
Editor/Writer: Eugenia Killoran.
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