At high-risk for diabetes? Not if you do this
You're at high risk for Type 2 diabetes if you're diagnosed with prediabetes, are overweight or obese, have a family history of Type 2 diabetes, are physically active less than three times a week, have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD -- now called MASLD), or have had gestational diabetes or given birth to a baby who weighed over 9 pounds.
But you can slash that risk, according to the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) study and the Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes Study (DPPOS). The DPP lasted about two years and showed that you can reduce the risk of full-blown diabetes by almost 60%. How? With intensive lifestyle intervention combining regular meetings with trained professionals providing individual and group counseling, instruction on eating habits, and guidance on increasing physical activity. The DPPOS followed folks for 21 years and found that, over the long run, diabetes incidence was reduced by 24% through intensive lifestyle changes.
For me, the takeaway from these studies is: "Don't fight your battle against Type 2 diabetes alone!" Folks who had support from trained health care providers and who met in groups to enjoy support from their peers were most successful. Talk to your doctor about referrals to a diabetes educator and/or nutritionist. Explore the American Diabetes Association's Diabetes Support Programs and Lifestyle Change Programs at www.diabetes.org. And talk to your posse about working together to increase your daily step (or step equivalent) count, Plus, for updates on the latest insights on staying younger longer and preventing diabetes, sign up for the free newsletter at LongevityPlaybook.com.
Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.longevityplaybook.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at questions@longevityplaybook.com.
(c)2023 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
(c) 2025 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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