Prevention of Clinical Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes mellitus affects more than 100 million individuals worldwide and, because of known risk factors common to many individuals that can be manipulated, the development of type 2 diabetes may potentially be modifiable. A number of clinical trials have addressed this hypothesis through dietary modification, physical activity, and drug treatment. Although some studies indicate protection against diabetes development, conclusions remain limited for reasons of study design problems with randomization, subject selection, or intervention intensity.

Six prospective studies have examined the predictors of progression from impaired glucose tolerance to type 2 diabetes. Across the six studies (n, 177-693), the incidence rates averaged 57.2 per 1000 patient-years.

Incidence rates were sharply higher for those in the top quartile of fasting glucoses, but increased linearly with increasing 2-h postchallenge glucose levels. Native and Hispanic incidence rates were higher than those of Caucasians. Baseline age showed no consistent pattern. Obesity was positively associated with future diabetes mellitus, no matter how body fatness was measured.

One study in the elderly and two in younger patients suggest that diet and exercise may prevent diabetes mellitus in patients with impaired glucose tolerance. In Da Qing, China, a screening program detected 577 individuals (mean age, 45.0) with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). Following stratification by body weight, patients were assigned to either active treatment (one of three possibilities: diet, exercise, or a combination of both) or to a control group who received brochures on diet, exercise, and IGT.

At 6 years, more than two-thirds of the control group (67.7%) developed diabetes, compared to less than half in each of the active treatment groups (43.8% of diet group, 41.1% of exercise group, and 46% in the exercise plus diet group; all p < 0.05 compared to control but no significant differences compared to each other). After adjustment for differences in baseline obesity and fasting glucose, reductions in risk of developing diabetes were 31% for diet, 46% for exercise, and 42% for diet plus exercise, each highly significant compared to control.

Another multicenter, partially blind study in Finland identified 522 overweight middle-aged persons with IGT (mean age, 55; persons over age 65 were excluded) who were randomly assigned to usual care or to individualized counseling aimed at reducing weight and total fat intake while increasing fiber intake and exercise.

Mean weight loss at 2 years was significantly different between the two groups; 7.7 pounds in the intervention group and 1.8 pounds for the control group. At 2 years, the cumulative incidence of diabetes was 6% in the intervention group versus 14% in controls (at 4 years, 11% and 23%, respectively), a risk reduction of 58% (95% CI, 0.3-0.7; p < 0.00l).

Treatment of Diabetes - Geriatric Medicine Sites of Care Demographics, Epidemiology, and Risk Factors Specific Clinical Patterns Pathogenesis of Age-Associated Glucose Intolerance Pathogenesis of Diabetes Mellitus Clinical Presentation Diagnosis and Differential Diagnosis Prognosis and Course Glucose Control Blood Pressure Control and Complications Treatment and Management of Diabetes Mellitus Management During Terminal Phases of the Illness Management of the Hospitalized Diabetic Patient Prevention References

The largest U.S. study, the Diabetes Prevention Program, recently announced dramatic reductions in the appearance of diabetes in overweight persons with IGT (mean age, 51) through lifestyle modifications. A total of 3234 people were randomized to either metformin (850 mg twice a day), placebo, or 150 min of weekly exercise with a low-fat diet and a goal of 7% weight loss.

The incidence of type 2 diabetes over a 3-year period was 4.8% with lifestyle intervention, 7.8% with metformin, and 11% in the control group. In the subgroup of patients over 60 years of age, reductions in risk of diabetes through lifestyle changes were at least as great as that observed in the overall study population. Thus, substantial reductions in the incidence of diabetes were produced by lifestyle (58%) or metformin (31%). The era of identification of individuals at risk and preventing future disability from targeted practical intervention is well under way.

RELATED STORIES:
Management During Terminal Phases of the Illness: The Elderly Nursing Home Patient   Management of the Hospitalized Diabetic Patient   Blood Pressure Control and Complications in Type 2 Diabetes   Glucose Control - Diabetes Mellitus in the Elderly   United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS 33)   Pathogenesis of Age-Associated Glucose Intolerance - Diabetes Mellitus - Geriatric Medicine   Pathogenesis of Diabetes Mellitus in the Elderly   Diabetes Mellitus Clinical Presentation   Diagnosis and Differential Diagnosis of Diabetes Mellitus in the Elderly   Prognosis and Course of Illness   Diabetes Mellitus Specific Clinical Patterns with Aging

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