Three studies have evaluated different strategies to prevent the development of type 2 diabetes in persons with impaired glucose tolerance. In the Finnish Diabetes Prevention Study (DPS) the effect of intensive changes of lifestyle on the development of type 2 diabetes was studied. The Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) examined the effects of metformin in addition to life style changes. In the Stop-NIDDM study, the glucosidase inhibitor acarbose was used. The results were impressive: The development of type 2 diabetes can be prevented by changes in life style, as well as by early medical intervention with metformin and acarbose.
