Research

Mixed

Intensive lifestyle modification (ILS) significantly increases the likelihood of regression from pre-diabetes to normal glucose regulation (NGR) compared to placebo, with effects driven by both weight loss and non-weight-loss components of the intervention.

If you have pre-diabetes, you can reverse it. The most effective way is through Intensive Lifestyle Modification (ILS), which involves a low-calorie, low-fat diet and at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise (like brisk walking) per week, aiming for a 7% weight loss. Crucially, even if you don't hit the 7% weight loss goal, the lifestyle changes themselves (diet and exercise) independently help restore normal glucose regulation. Don't rely solely on medication like Metformin for reversal, as it was not significantly effective for this specific outcome in this study. Focus on sustainable habits.

StrongSupportsHIGH confidence
ILS (2.05, P < 0.01) and weight loss (1.34, P < 0.01) had significant and independent effects on regression.
Leigh Perreault et al. · Diabetes Care · 2009

Why this rating

Based on a large, prospective randomized clinical trial (DPP) with rigorous statistical modeling.

Source

Regression From Pre-Diabetes to Normal Glucose Regulation in the Diabetes Prevention Program

Leigh Perreault et al. · Diabetes Care · 2009

rct · n=3234Cited 210×
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