An analysis of a comprehensive study from Tübingen shows that people with prediabetes can reduce their risk of type 2 diabetes by 71 percent if they normalize their blood sugar levels through a healthy lifestyle – even without weight loss. Researchers from the University Hospital Tübingen, Helmholtz Munich and the German Center for Diabetes Research were involved in the study. Prediabetes affects millions of people worldwide, an estimated one in ten adults. In this condition, blood sugar levels are elevated, but do not yet reach the criteria for a diabetes diagnosis. Since prediabetes often goes unnoticed for a long time, the number of unreported cases is high.

The body’s cells are less sensitive to insulin, which means that less sugar is absorbed from the blood and blood sugar levels rise. If left untreated, there is a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes later on, a disease that affects over 460 million people worldwide and can have serious consequences such as cardiovascular disease or cancer. Until now, current guidelines for the prevention of type 2 diabetes in prediabetes have focused on weight loss through a healthy diet and exercise.

However, the Tübingen long-term study with over 1100 participants shows that normalization of blood sugar levels is also possible without weight loss. Of the participants, 234 either didn’t lose or gain weight, even though they made lifestyle changes. Nevertheless, blood sugar levels normalized in about 22 percent of this group. Over an observation period of up to nine years, these participants were shown to reduce their risk of diabetes by 71 percent – a value that is almost identical to that of those who reduced their risk by 73 percent through weight loss. The analysis paid special attention to the distribution of body fat. In particular, visceral fat, which surrounds the internal organs, plays a central role as it promotes inflammation and increases insulin resistance. Participants who normalized their blood sugar levels without weight loss had a lower percentage of visceral fat compared to those whose blood sugar levels remained elevated.

This suggests that changing fat distribution through a healthy lifestyle is crucial for blood sugar control. The results of the study call into question the previous focus on weight loss. A normal blood sugar level is the central goal for the prevention of type 2 diabetes, regardless of the number on the scales. Sport and a balanced diet have a positive effect on blood sugar levels, even if body weight remains the same or increases. The previous guidelines should therefore be adapted to take greater account of blood sugar control and fat distribution in addition to weight loss.

The study highlights the importance of a healthy lifestyle to normalize blood sugar levels. Exercise and a balanced diet remain the most important measures to reduce prediabetes and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. The results suggest that glycemic target values should be included more strongly in practice guidelines in the future in order to make diabetes prevention more effective.

Original Paper:

Prevention of type 2 diabetes through prediabetes remission without weight loss | Nature Medicine

Editor: X-Press Journalistenbüro GbR

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