Type 2 diabetes mellitus occurs via genetic and non-genetic factors. The genetic factors have not been discovered yet. Obesity and physical inactivity are the non-genetic factors. People suffering from this disease generally have impaired glucose tolerance; which means that plasma glucose concentration of 140-200 mg/dl. A study involving the above facts was conducted by the Finnish Diabetes Prevention Study. This study had been approved by National Public Health Institute, Finland. Screening of subjects for the study included overweight people of age group 40 to 65
A total of 523 candidates were taken for study randomly and unknowingly. On diagnosis of Type2 diabetes risk, these patients were asked to reduced weight and fat intake and increase fiber, vegetable, and low-fat milk intake. These patients were also advised to increase their physical activity with endurance exercises; which further improved their cardio-respiratory well-being.
In March 2000, the first report of data analysis was obtained. t-tests and chi-square tests were the basis of all results. Survival curves were prepared, and cumulative incidence of diabetes was calculated. In the end, SAS PHREG procedure was also utilized.
Results proved that Type 2 diabetes can be prevented by making changes in lifestyle. The candidates who withdrew from the above procedure explained in the three paragraphs above, were at greater risk of Type 2 diabetes in comparison to those who had adopted the above lifestyle.
The overall incidence of diabetes was reduced by 58 percent. The idea was overall successful because the goals were related to public health and social service, and ethics were followed completely. These data were consistent with previous studies from Sweden and China.