Abstract:
Objective: The prevalence of type 2 diabetes is increasing worldwide. Lifestyle intervention programs are effective in the prevention of type 2 diabetes in individuals with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). However, there is little information on whether these programs, that are designed to bring about long lasting habitual changes in diet and physical activity, may also have beneficial effects on metabolism to a similar extent, in individuals with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) compared to individuals with IGT.
Research Methods and Procedures: Twenty-two NGT individuals who are at risk for the development of type 2 diabetes and 22 IGT individuals, carefully matched by age, gender and body weight, participated in a program with increase in physical activity and decrease in caloric intake. Changes in glucose and lipid metabolism and changes in body fat distribution, using magnetic resonance imaging and – spectroscopy, were determined.
Results: After a mean follow-up of 9 ± 2 months, body weight decreased in both groups (2.1 kg, p=0.003 IGT and 2.0 kg, p=0.02 NGT). Two hr glucose during an oral glucose tolerance test decreased in IGT (21 %, p<0.0001) but not in NGT individuals (4 %, p=0.12). Also, there was an increase in insulin sensitivity in IGT individuals (p=0.007) that was statistically not significant in subjects with NGT (p=0.06). In IGT individuals there was a decrease in visceral fat (11 %, p=0.0003), liver fat (24 %, p=0.0009) and intramyocellular lipids (18 %, p=0.02). In NGT individuals these changes were osignificant for visceral fat (17 %, p<0.0001) and liver fat (41 %, p<0.0001).
Discussion: Moderate weight loss under a lifestyle intervention does not further improve glucose tolerance in individuals who are NGT and at risk for type 2 diabetes. Nevertheless, it may reduce the risk for deterioration in glucose tolerance by improvement of an unfavorable fat distribution.