Considering the increasing prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) in underdeveloped countries as well as the simplicity of identifying individuals at high risk for such disease, implementation of intervention measures for its prevention is of great interest. Several studies have confirmed the benefits of lifestyle changes in preventing or postponig the progression from impaired glucose tolerance to DM. The review of these studies showed a 50% to 60% reduction in the incidence of DM by means of lifestyle modifications. Such results are better than those reported in studies in which pharmacological interventions were used with the same purpose. Despite the efficacy of lifestyle changes for the prevention of DM, compliance may represent a limitation to be implemented in communities. In our country, studies are necessary to assess the barriers for the implementation of a population-based program for the prevention of DM and other lifestyle related diseases in high-risk Brazilian subjects.
Prevention; Type 2 diabetes; Lifestyle; Intervention
