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
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