PEOPLE at risk of diabetes could be “prescribed” exercise and diet regimes to beat the condition.
The largest study of its kind is to be carried out to find the right lifestyle to prevent Type 2 diabetes, which is threatening to become a medical “disaster” in Britain.
Experts aim to work out not only the best way to eat, drink and exercise but even how to sleep.
It could lead to people at risk of developing the condition being given a detailed diet and exercise regime, much like a prescription, to help protect themselves.
Professor Anne Raben, the project’s chief coordinator at the University of Copenhagen, said: “We would like to find out if our current dietary and exercise recommendations are optimal or whether another lifestyle and regimen is more effective.
“It could save billions in health care costs for society if we are able to find a formula for how to best prevent Type 2 diabetes.”
The three-year study will start at the end of the year and involve 2,300 adult volunteers and 200 children aged from 12 to 18.
Eight countries will be involved including the UK, where the trial will be run by the University of Nottingham and Swansea University.
Professor Raben said: “We already know that a diet which follows current dietary guidelines can prevent diabetes. What’s unique about this project is that we are testing two diets against one another to find out if there might be a more effective alternative.
“We will include two types of exercise to determine if there is one that is more suitable. Finally we will also study the importance of stress and sleeping patterns.”
Trial participants will follow a specific lifestyle programme, based on one of the two diet types, and one of two forms of exercise. One diet is based on high carbohydrates, lots of fibre and a moderate protein intake and the other includes high protein intake and less, but more slowly absorbed carbohydrates.
One fitness programme involves moderate exercise such as a brisk walk for 150 minutes a week and the other high-intensity exercise such as jogging for 75 minutes a week.
Last month, Diabetes UK warned that Britain is heading for a diabetes “disaster”.
The number of people with the condition is expected to hit five million by 2025 – up from 3.8 million today. Yet less than a third of people realise that Type 2 diabetes can lead to heart attacks, strokes and even amputations.
Dr Matthew Hobbs, head of research at Diabetes UK, said: “We welcome this large scale study into Type 2 diabetes prevention.
“We already know that the best way to reduce your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes is to maintain a healthy weight by combining being regularly physically active with eating a healthy balanced diet.”
Opportunity missed they should have added LowCarb into the mix.
Graham
Why do yet another study? Low carb eating, elimination of processed food and some exercise is how to prevent and treat type 2. I also suspect that genetically modified wheat is the cause of autoimmune type 1, and again, low carb plus exercise is the way to control it and avoid diabetic complications. Dr Richard Bernstein has known this since 1969!! We don't need another waste of money and time research project. The solution already exists, and I know because I am living it, much to the confusion of my healthcare team.
ReplyDelete"We don't need another waste of money and time research project. The solution already exists, and I know because I am living it, much to the confusion of my healthcare team."
ReplyDeleteAs many of us do know this Lisa, unfortunately will the big pharmaceutical companies let this go? I have my doubts
Kay
I knew that eventually they would be forced into making a real effort to avoid medication so this is good news, as you say Graham a missed opportunity, but maybe a step in the right direction?
ReplyDeleteKath