Adopting healthy lifestyle habits may offer greater long-term health benefits than taking metformin for adults with prediabetes, according to a new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).
Researchers found that participants who followed structured lifestyle interventions—including regular physical activity, healthy eating, and weight management—experienced a significantly lower risk of developing multiple chronic health conditions, also known as multimorbidity, compared to those treated with metformin alone.
Prediabetes is a condition in which blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. Without timely intervention, many individuals with prediabetes eventually develop diabetes and other serious health complications.
The study suggests that lifestyle modifications not only help delay or prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes but also reduce the likelihood of developing additional chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and other metabolic disorders.
While metformin remains an effective medication for certain individuals at high risk of diabetes, researchers emphasized that lifestyle changes should continue to be the cornerstone of prediabetes management due to their broader and more lasting health benefits.
Health experts recommend maintaining a balanced diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week, maintaining a healthy body weight, and avoiding tobacco use to reduce the risk of diabetes and other chronic diseases.
The findings reinforce existing public health recommendations that sustainable lifestyle improvements can have a profound impact on long-term health outcomes and overall quality of life for people living with prediabetes.
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