More from Diabetes UK

Lifestyle and diet still best ways to help prevent Type 2 diabetes

15 March 2010

Researchers looking at whether using a drug that lowers blood pressure (Valsartan) or a drug that lowers blood glucose levels (Nateglinide) could prevent Type 2 diabetes from developing found no great difference in the number of people who went on to develop the condition when prescribed either drug compared with the people who were prescribed a dummy pill.

The drugs were also not successful in preventing heart attacks and strokes, which are complications of Type 2 diabetes. All the people taking part in the study had high blood glucose levels.
Estimated seven million at risk

"There are an estimated seven million people in the UK who are at high risk of Type 2 diabetes secondary to raised blood glucose levels," said Dr Victoria King, Research Manager at Diabetes UK.
Up to 15 times more risk of diabetes

"These people are up to fifteen times more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes and potentially serious complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, blindness and amputation.”
Healthy lifestyle best way to prevent Type 2 diabetes

“Unfortunately there is unlikely to be a quick and easy route to prevent Type 2 diabetes and that a healthy balanced lifestyle with a good diet and physical activity levels are the best preventative methods.
Drug therapies

"However, where necessary, some drug therapies could help to delay or prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes in people at high risk.”

“The results from this study help us to decipher which drugs, if they need to be given, would be best to help prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in those at risk when prescribed alongside an all-important lifestyle intervention programme."