Lifestyle Changes Effective In Protecting Against Type II Diabetes (@sciencedaily.com)
This article is of particular interest to me – a large catalyst for my lifestyle changes was my doctor suggesting I take cholesterol medication. That moment, I knew I had to change my entire lifestyle to achieve fitness; drugs were not the answer.
Apparently, scientific studies may be in agreement – according to this article, a study shows that lifestyle changes are at least as effective at preventing type II diabetes, a condition commonly associated with obesity.
Researchers from Leicester reviewed studies which measured the effects of different interventions — lifestyle, diabetes drug and anti-obesity drug — on people with impaired glucose tolerance. (People with impaired glucose tolerance have a high risk of developing type II diabetes.)
They found that lifestyle changes, e.g. switching to a healthier diet and increasing exercise to be at least as effective as taking prescription drugs. On average, lifestyle changes helped to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by around half. Lifestyle changes were also less likely to have adverse side-effects.
Side-effects of Your Drug of Choice(tm): May include diarrhea, constipation, headaches, joint pain, stomach pain, ulcers, trouble peeing, sexual disfunction, death; do not take if you have liver problems, are pregnant or may become pregnant, or are a carbon-based organism.
Side-effects of lifestyle changes: May include less headaches, more positive outlook on life, more self-esteem, promotions, less body aches and pains, longer life.
I’ll take two lifestyle changes and call you next year, thanks.
