Research

Energy balance

Lifestyle interventions, specifically moderate-intensity physical activity for at least 150 minutes per week and caloric restriction, significantly reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in individuals with prediabetes.

To prevent type 2 diabetes, you need to combine diet and exercise. Aim to lose about 7% of your body weight (or reach a BMI of 24) by cutting 400-500 calories from your daily intake and limiting saturated fats. Add at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week. Stick with it by getting regular check-ins and support to keep these habits long-term.

WeakSupportsVERY_HIGH confidence
Specific objectives for prevention among those with prediabetes are (1) among overweight or obese individuals, lowering of BMI to approximately 24 kg/m2 or weight loss of at least 7%, (2) reduction in total daily caloric intake by at least 400 to 500 kcal (1 kcal = 4.184 kJ), (3) reduction in saturated fatty acid intake to less than 30% of total fatty acid intake, and (4) moderate-intensity physical activity for at least 150 min/week.
Weiping Jia et al. · Diabetes/Metabolism Research and Reviews · 2019

Why this rating

The guideline cites multiple randomized controlled trials (Daqing, Finnish Diabetes Prevention Study, US Diabetes Prevention Program) demonstrating significant risk reduction.

Source

Standards of medical care for type 2 diabetes in China 2019

Weiping Jia et al. · Diabetes/Metabolism Research and Reviews · 2019

DOI 10.1002/dmrr.3158

clinical_guidelineCited 758×
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DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10

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