Conclusion
The prevention of type 2 DM is an urgent priority in most countries, in order to halt this rising epidemic. Recent trails have shown that a >50% reduction in progression of IGT to type 2 DM can be achieved by lifestyle measures with moderate exercise and diet.21,,22 The real challenge is to support such an intervention outside the framework of a clinical trial to large-scale populations with an increasing epidemic of obesity, and to maintain these benefits long term. The use of pharmacological intervention with use of drugs such as metformin and acarbose can prevent progression of IGT to Type 2 DM.22,,34 However their cost-effectiveness and long-term safety are largely unknown.
QJM vol. 97 no. 7 © Association of Physicians 2004; all rights reserved.