About 1 in 10 Canadian adults, and 1 in of 5 over age 65 have diabetes. The vast majority – 90% – have type 2 diabetes. The important question for people who are free of diabetes but are at risk is: can we prevent or at least delay its arrival?
The answer to that question was not known in the year 2000. However, even though we still don’t know why some people get type 2 diabetes and others don’t, research since the year 2000 has clearly shown that it can be delayed or even prevented in some people.
Specifically, about 20 randomized controlled trials have shown that a variety of different approaches can reduce or delay type 2 diabetes by up to 50%. These include a) modest increases in physical activity (approximately 30 minutes of moderate activity such as brisk walking at least five days per week); b) modest weight loss (about 10 pounds or 5% for somebody who is 200 pounds); and c) a variety of drugs including metformin. What these all have in common is that they reduce the amount of insulin that a person’s pancreas needs to make to keep their sugar levels normal. We’re not sure why, but this reduces the chance of getting type 2 diabetes.
In addition to these personalized approaches, societal approaches can also be effective. For example, changes to the design of our cities and towns that encourage physical activity, and changes in price and availability of certain types of foods can also reduce the numbers of people who develop diabetes.
Therefore, modest changes in how we spend our days, and the judicious use of some drugs (after discussion with a health care provider) are proven ways of lowering the chance of getting type 2 diabetes.
About the author
Hertzel Gerstein, Endocrinologist
Hertzel is an endocrinologist and professor at McMaster University who is in high demand as a speaker, advocate, and educator on diabetes-related topics. His research focuses on using large, international randomized trials to identify and test new ways of preventing type 2 diabetes, reducing serious health outcomes like strokes and death, and achieving type 2 diabetes remissions.