How can I reduce my chance of getting Diabetes?

A recent study funded by the Federal government of 3,234 persons at high risk for Diabetes showed that diet and Exercise can sharply lower the risk of getting Type 2 Diabetes.

The Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) was a major clinical study of ways to prevent or delay Diabetes in persons at high risk for Type 2 Diabetes. Patients were overweight and had higher than normal levels of blood glucose, called impaired glucose tolerance. Both conditions are strong risk factors for Type 2 Diabetes. Because of the high risk among some minority groups, about half of the DPP participants were African American, American Indian, Asian American, Pacific Islander, or Hispanic.

The DPP compared two methods for preventing Diabetes: (1) an intensive program of healthy eating and Exercise and (2) the use of metformin, a Diabetes drug. Persons who engaged in moderate physical activity for about 30 minutes a day, followed a low-fat and low-calorie diet, and lost 5 to 7 percent of their body weight (or about 12 pounds for someone who weighs 200 pounds) cut their risk of getting Type 2 Diabetes by about one half (58%). Those persons receiving metformin reduced their risk by one third (31%).