Peer Reviewed
Perspectives
Is prevention of type 2 diabetes possible?
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes has reached epidemic proportions in Australia and around the world. Prevention and treatment of this costly disease have become an important focus of healthcare. Lifestyle and pharmacological interventions have been shown to be effective in the prevention of diabetes.
Key Points
- A number of type 2 diabetes prevention trials have shown that diabetes can be prevented with varying degrees of success depending on the intervention.
- Interventions for the prevention of diabetes fall into two categories: lifestyle and pharmacological.
- Current recommendations for diabetes prevention include the referral of high-risk patients to a lifestyle modification program.
- Pharmacological treatment may be considered in patients not responding to a lifestyle modification program, although adverse effects should be carefully weighed against the benefits.
- Awareness and education will play a major role in diabetes prevention as we move into the future.
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