142,740 registered members
Search Now
   
Home Health
Topics 		Features/
Opinion 		Health
Calculators 		Health
Clinics 		Find a
Professional 		Medical
Q&As 		Discussions Online
Video 		Vaccination
Tracker 		Rate My
Hospital
Welcome to irishhealth.com (9 Sep, 2010) Quickfind
Printer Friendly Version Add to your scrapbook Email to a friend
 
ADVERTISEMENT

Risk of type 2 diabetes halved by lifestyle change

[Posted: Thu 26/06/2003 - www.irishhealth.com]

By Deborah Condon

The risk of type 2 diabetes, also known as adult-onset diabetes, can be halved in people who are at high risk, if they change their lifestyle, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) has said.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes. It is most commonly found in people over the age of 40 who are overweight and do not get enough exercise.

According to the federation, until recently, studies offered only limited proof that type 2 diabetes was preventable if lifestyle changes were introduced. However following the completion of a number of major lifestyle studies, it is now clear that the condition is preventable.

"The results are consistent. The risk of type 2 diabetes can be halved in people who are at high risk. The effect of lifestyle change is rapid and the changes required to achieve a significant risk reduction do not have to be drastic", the IDF said.

Type 2 diabetes now accounts for 6% of Ireland's total healthcare budget, with almost half of this money being spent on hospitalisation costs.

The IDF refers to a number of major studies, including the Finnish Diabetes Prevention Study, which was the first precise controlled trial on the prevention of type 2 diabetes. Over 500 people with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) took part in the trial. People with IGT, also known as 'pre-diabetes', are unable to properly break down sugars in the body. Around 50% of these go on to develop diabetes within five years.

Participants in the Finnish trial were randomly placed into a lifestyle intervention group or a control group. Goals in the intervention group included a reduction in body weight of 5% or more, moderate daily exercise and a reduction in total fat intake in the diet.

Participants reduced their intake of saturated fat

In the intervention group, the risk of type 2 diabetes was reduced by 58% compared to the control group. None of the participants who reached all of their lifestyle targets developed diabetes. However one-third of the people who did not reach any lifestyle targets went on to develop the condition.

"There is now unequivocal evidence that type 2 diabetes can  be prevented in people who are at high risk. Systematic lifestyle intervention must become a part of routine preventative care in order to reduce the burden of type 2 diabetes that is reaching epidemic proportions in many countries", the IDF said.

Bookmark and Share


  JERRY(JBHARTE)  Posted: 02/07/2003 13:50
It is so difficult to loose weight i just wish it was easier i have tried just about most things
 
  Anonymous   Posted: 08/10/2003 11:29
I have heard that diabetes causes one to have slurred speach after a few drinks - is this a true sign of someone developing diabetes - the person in question is not overweight
 
  Anonymous   Posted: 13/11/2003 07:00
Yes I Would Agree With This Article I was Borderline I Started Walking More and Changed Diet , Its Not Easy To Keep Going , Sore Feet, But Its Worth It , My Levels Are Down , So Walking Is The Best Way Forward .
 
  Anonymous   Posted: 10/04/2005 21:05
While I was taking Glucosamine for Arthritis, I noticed after some weeks that my sugar levels were much higher, so I stopped and now they are lower, any comments! please.
 
  Kate  Posted: 09/03/2006 13:41
Five years ago I had pancreatitis caused by what the surgeon called "a gall bladder crammed with stones". The gall bladder was removed and I have had regular 6 monthly blood tests to check my health. I am told my blood pressure is "on the low side" which is deemed 'good' for my age (58). I am careful with my diet - although I did not receive any information on diet after the op. I eat large quantities of fruit and veg and exercise daily. Lately I am experiencing exhaustion combined with a feeling of being 'chilled' from the inside out. It sounds silly and embarassing but when it happens I have to take to bed with hot water bottles. Turning up the heating makes no difference. Has anyone with diabetics experienced this feeling?
 
 
To join the discussion, register by clicking here
This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify. About Irishhealth.com | Privacy Policy | Contact us | Why Register? | Make this your home page | Site Map
Copyright © 2010. All rights reserved. We subscribe to the principles of the Health On the Net Foundation