Lifestyle Modification as a Tool for Primary Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes

REVIEW ARTICLE

Lifestyle Modification as a Tool for Primary Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes

Ambady Ramachandran and Chamukuttan Snehalatha

Affiliations: India Diabetes Research Foundation & Dr. A. Ramachandran's Diabetes Hospitals, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India


ABSTRACT

Primary prevention of type 2 diabetes is an important strategy in mitigating its rising global burden. Lifestyle modification (LSM) involving healthy eating habits and regular physical activity has been proven to be effective in preventing or postponing development of diabetes in high-risk persons. Systematic, randomized, prospective studies have shown the effectiveness of LSM in all ethnic populations with impaired glucose tolerance. LSM has additional benefits, as it decreases cardiovascular risk factors and it has been found to be a cost-effective strategy. It is vital that public awareness about diabetes and prediabetes is increased and that primary care doctors are better educated on its management and prevention. Concerted efforts by governmental and non-governmental agencies with structured national programs for control and prevention of diabetes are warranted in all countries, especially in countries with limited health care resources.

Keywords: Type 2 diabetes, Primary prevention, lifestyle modification, modifiable risk factors, non-communicable disease, impaired glucose tolerance, prediabetes

Correspondence: A. Ramachandran, India Diabetes Research Foundation & Dr. A. Ramachandran's Diabetes Hospitals, 28 Marshall's Road, Egmore, Chennai 600 008, Tamil Nadu, India. Tel: +91-44-2858-2003/04/05; Fax: +91-44-4214-6652; e-mail: ramachandran@vsnl.com