Delaying Onset Can Lower Risk of Heart Disease, Death

Delaying Onset Can Lower Risk of Heart Disease, Death

People with Prediabetes Who Delay Diabetes Diagnosis Have Lower Risk of Death and Complications

New research shows that people with prediabetes who delay the onset of type 2 diabetes for 4 years or more through healthy diet and exercise have a lower long-term risk of death and diabetes complications.

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What is Prediabetes?

Prediabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be considered type 2 diabetes. It is sometimes known as impaired glucose tolerance or borderline diabetes.

Lifestyle Programs Effective in Delaying Diabetes Onset

Previous research has shown that lifestyle programs of healthy eating and physical activity can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The new study found that participants in the study who delayed the onset of diabetes for 4 years or more through healthy diet and exercise had a lower risk of dying from any cause or from having a cardiovascular event such as coronary heart disease, stroke, or heart failure. They also had a lower risk of diabetes-related eye, kidney, or nerve problems.

The Importance of Intervening Early

Peter Senior, PhD, director of the Alberta Diabetes Institute at the University of Alberta, notes that there is a big difference between getting diabetes at the age of 85 and getting it at 45. If you get it at 45, you could be looking at a lot of years of life lost.

Delays in Diabetes Onset Lead to Better Long-Term Health

Senior points out that the original Da Qing study and the US National Diabetes Prevention program both showed that it is possible to prevent people from developing diabetes. He compares delaying the onset of diabetes to saving for retirement, where it is best to start setting aside money when you are 20 rather than waiting until you are 50.

Public Health Approach

A public health approach would be to identify people like this who are at higher risk of diabetes and focus intensive interventions on them. This is the approach used by the National Diabetes Prevention Program. "But if the intervention is healthy eating and healthy lifestyle, there’s no harm in those," said Senior. "So let’s recommend them for everybody, maybe with extra coaching for those who are at highest risk [of diabetes]."

Conclusion

In conclusion, the study highlights the importance of delaying the onset of type 2 diabetes for 4 years or more through healthy diet and exercise. This can lead to a lower long-term risk of death and diabetes complications.

FAQs

Q: What is prediabetes?
A: Prediabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be considered type 2 diabetes.

Q: Can lifestyle programs delay the onset of diabetes?
A: Yes, previous research has shown that lifestyle programs of healthy eating and physical activity can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Q: What is the importance of intervening early?
A: Intervening early can lead to better long-term health and delay the onset of diabetes.

Q: Is it possible to prevent people from developing diabetes?
A: Yes, research has shown that it is possible to prevent people from developing diabetes through lifestyle interventions.

Q: Can healthy eating and physical activity delay the onset of diabetes?
A: Yes, research has shown that healthy eating and physical activity can delay the onset of diabetes.

Q: Are genetics a factor in the development of diabetes?
A: Yes, genetics also play a role in the development of diabetes.

Q: Should I delay getting my blood sugar under control?
A: Yes, it is best to start making lifestyle changes and delaying the onset of diabetes as soon as possible to set yourself up for better long-term health.