Although medication can be helpful, lifestyle changes (weight loss, physical activity, healthy diet) remain the most effective and sustainable approach to reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes in prediabetics.
Here are the key points to remember about approaches to preventing Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) and cardiovascular disease in people with Prediabetes.
Impact of lifestyle changes: Studies such as the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) and the Finnish Diabetes Prevention Study (FDPS) have shown that lifestyle interventions (increased physical activity, improved diet) reduce the risk of developing T2DM by around 60%.
These changes also have a positive impact on cardiovascular disease, notably by reducing hypertension and improving cholesterol levels.
For every 1kg of weight loss, the risk of diabetes decreases by 15% to 16%, underlining the importance of even small weight losses.
Mediterranean diet: The Mediterranean diet, enriched with extra-virgin olive oil, has been linked to a significant reduction in the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular complications.
Studies such as PREDIMED have shown that this type of diet improves inflammatory markers and cardiometabolic health over the long term.
Medications to prevent diabetes: Drug treatments such as Metformin have shown some efficacy in reducing the risk of progression to diabetes, as evidenced by studies such as ACT NOW or STOP-NIDDM. However, these treatments are associated with significant side effects, and stopping them often results in a return to high blood sugar levels (glycemic rebound).
For example, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) guidelines recommend lifestyle modifications (diet, physical activity) before considering drug treatment, which is reserved for high-risk cases.
Early detection and intervention in prediabetes: Screening for prediabetes is fundamental to preventing cardiovascular disease and progression to diabetes. However, this condition is often under-diagnosed and under-treated.
We therefore need to increase awareness, care coordination and access to lifestyle intervention programs.
Learn more about Pep2Dia to maintain a healthy glycemia!
Sources:
Diabète et alimentation au quotidien : les fondamentaux
https://www.ameli.fr/assure/sante/themes/diabete/diabete-vivre-quotidien/equilibre-alimentaire/diabete-alimentation-fondamentaux
Recent Advances in Nutrition and Diabetes.
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Nutrients. 2021 May 8;13(5):1573. doi: 10.3390/nu13051573.
Glycemic control and awareness among diabetic patients of nutrition recommendations in diabetes.
Ruszkiewicz K, Jagielski P, Traczyk I.
Rocz Panstw Zakl Hig. 2020;71(2):191-196. doi: 10.32394/rpzh.2020.0116.