Lifestyle Interventions in Patients with or at Risk for Type 2 Diabetes

Dietary and exercise interventions are effective for preventing diabetes, but evidence is lacking on whether multifaceted lifestyle interventions benefit patients who already have diabetes or are at high risk for developing it. Researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 20 randomized, controlled trials in which the effects of diet, exercise, and at least one other component (e.g., counseling, behavior modification, medication) were assessed in patients with diabetes or at high risk for diabetes. Control groups received usual care, educational materials, or various other interventions.

Among high-risk patients, lifestyle interventions were associated significantly with lower risk for progression to diabetes for as long as …