Lifestyle modification vs. drug therapy almost twice as effective in preventing diabetes over 10 years.

The Diabetes Prevention Program reported in 2002 that compared with placebo, an intensive lifestyle intervention program or oral medications in 3200 individuals with impaired glucose metabolism lowered the incidence of diabetes during the three years of the study by 58% and 31%, respectively. Most of these participants were then enrolled in seven additional years of follow-up where they received lifestyle-reinforcement sessions quarterly, and those randomized to lifestyle had eight additional lifestyle intervention sessions each year. The reduction of diabetes during the full 10 years was 34% in the lifestyle group and 18% in the medication group compared with the placebo. 

PositiveTip: Lifestyle changes (exercise and diet primarily) slowed the development of diabetes by at least ten years!