At a Glance – Lifestyle Intervention Positively Effects Diabetes

Diabetes effects over 150 million people world wide.  The level of effected people is projected to rise to 300 million by the year 2025¹. Three types of diabetes exist ¹:

• Type 1 – insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM).  Insulin is needed for survival.
• Type 2 – formerly called non- indulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM).  Insulin is required for metabolic control.
• Gestational diabetes – temporary condition that occurs during pregnancy.

A recent study by the Diabetes Prevention Program indicated that people with impaired glucose intolerance that underwent an intensive lifestyle change reduce their risk of getting Type 2 diabetes by 58 %.  Impaired glucose intolerance is a condition where blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not yet to that of a diabetic.  The lifestyle changes include 30 minutes of physical activity per day (a minimum of 150 minutes per week of walking or moderate intensity exercise) and a loss of 5 -7 % of body weight².

A healthy lifestyle also is important for those with diabetes to stay healthy.  Key lifestyle factors are¹:

• Eat a Balanced diet
• Increase physical activity
• Loose weight to achieve normal weight
• Reduce stress
• Stop smoking

In reality, these key factors should be incorporated into everyone’s lifestyle goals.

Reference for At a Glance: Lifestyle Intervention Positively Effects Diabetes

• International Diabetes Federation.  www.idf.org
• Knowler W.C., Barrett-Conner E., Fowler S.E., Hamman R. F., Lachin J. M., Waker E. A., and Nathan D. M.  2002.  Reduction in the incidence of type 2 diabetes with lifestyle intervention or metformin.  N Engl J Med.  Feb 7:346(6):393-403.

Back to Newsletter Archives