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Prediabetes: Progression to type 2 diabetes

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Prediabetes: Progression to type 2 diabetes

After 3 years, about 14 out of 100 people who made major lifestyle changes got type 2 diabetes. Compare that to about 22 out of 100 people who took metformin and about 29 out of 100 people who took a placebo pill and got type 2 diabetes. After 10 years, about 27 out of 100 people who made major lifestyle changes got type 2 diabetes. Compare that to about 42 out of 100 people who took metformin and about 52 out of 100 people who took a placebo pill and got type 2 diabetes. After 15 years, about 55 out of 100 people who made major lifestyle changes got type 2 diabetes. Compare that to about 56 out of 100 people who took metformin and about 62 out of 100 people who took a placebo pill and got type 2 diabetes.

Making major lifestyle changes or taking metformin both work better than a placebo pill at delaying or preventing type 2 diabetes. For many people, making major lifestyle changes works better than taking metformin to help delay or prevent type 2 diabetes for up to 10 years. A follow-up study at 15 years showed that making major lifestyle changes was about equal to taking metformin in helping to delay or prevent type 2 diabetes. But doing both of these things may give you the best chance of delaying or preventing type 2 diabetes over the long term.

The information shown here is based on the best available evidence.

Current as of: October 2, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Healthwise is a URAC accredited health web site content provider. Privacy Policy. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

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