Boston (DbTechNo) - Onset of diabetes can be greatly delayed by eating a healthy diet and exercising, say researchers of a new study. This interesting study finding applies to people with many symptoms of pre-diabetes, meaning that they are on the verge of being diagnosed with it, but have not yet affirmatively been told they have the condition. The study result applies to people at risk of type 2 diabetes, the one form of the disease brought upon a person who is sedintary, follows a poor diet and smokes cigarettes.

Researchers followed up to 3,000 people at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, with 1 third asked to eat well and exercise, and a second third given the diabetes drug metformin. Those who exercised and ate well, lost an average of 15lbs over the first year of follow-up and overall this group was less prone to developing the condition. Participants in the healthy lifestyle group were 58% less likely to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, and those taking metformin were 31% less likely.

“Millions of people could delay diabetes for years and possibly prevent the disease altogether if they lost a modest amount of weight through diet and increased physical activity,” said Dr. Griffin Rodgers, director of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease.