Encouraging Research in Diabetes Prevention

Recent research to assure prevention of diabetes in high risk people (Are you high risk?)

DIABETES PREVENTION: Achieving health through diet and lifestyle

Diet and lifestyle-based intervention strategies can help reduce the progression to diabetes. Typically, 30% of people considered high risk go on to develop type II diabetes over 3-4 years. High risk populations are those who are overweight or obese with impaired glucose tolerance. Impaired glucose tolerance means a fasting blood glucose between 6-6.9 mmol/L. A new study has shown just how powerful health and lifestyle intervention can be.

When 4/5 or 5/5 of the following goals were achieved, NOT ONE single subject developed type II diabetes during the course of the 4 year study. The results were less impressive when less than 4/5 of the goals were met, however, there was still a significant reduction in the rate of progression when at least 2 or 3 of the goals were met.

Medical Nutrition Therapy:
1.\tWeight loss recommended for overweight/ obese individuals. 500 – 1000 fewer calories per day than estimated to be necessary for weight maintenance, resulting in 1-2 lbs of weight loss per week. Initial goal of 5-7% reduction of starting body weight.
2.\tPhysical activity is recommended at 150 minutes per week of moderate intensity tasks, such as walking.
3.\tEncourage an intake of dietary fibre providing 14 g fiber/ 1000kCal.
4.\tSaturated fat should be kept to less than 7% of total calories. Trans fat intake should be minimized. Dietary cholesterol intake should be less than 200mg.
5.\tLow carbohydrate and low fat diets may be effective for achieving weight loss.

These recommendations are referred to as Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) by the American Diabetes Association. These therapies also reduce cholesterol, blood pressure, body weight, and glucose tolerance. If you currently suffer from diabetes, or belong to the high risk group, you must get help as soon as possible to help you achieve your health goals and prevent you from getting diabetes.

If you have further questions on this article or topic or need help with this issue, please call our office or send us an email. 604.737.0012 or info@springseternal.com

Reference:
Tuomilehto J, Lindstrom J, et al. Finnish Diabetes Prevention Study group. Prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus by changes in lifestyle among subjects with impaired glucose tolerance. N Engl J Med. 2001; 344(18): 1343-50.