
November 17, 2004
Type 2, Weight and Weight Loss
Question from India:
For a male, age 45, 98 kilograms (216 pounds), with no symptoms of diabetes, but who had an impaired GTT/occasional borderline diabetes, can the borderline diabetes be reversed by reducing and then maintaining a normal weight? Is there any research on obesity and pre-diabetes/borderline diabetes?
Answer:
The best information comes from recent clinical trials using a variety of methods to improve glucose tolerance. The largest was the U.S. trial known as the Diabetes Prevention Program. This trial showed that Diet and Exercise Dramatically Delay Type 2 Diabetes: Diabetes Medication Metformin Also Effective. Other studies have used other drugs to intervene with some benefit. However, lifestyle intervention, as you describe is the best choice. Without any change, the chances of developing type 2 diabetes over a lifetime are very high.
JTL