Therapeutic Challenges in Diabetes Prevention: We Have Not Found the "Exercise Pill"

Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2015 Aug;98(2):162-9. doi: 10.1002/cpt.146. Epub 2015 Jun 25.

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes has become an enormous public health burden, making diabetes prevention a pressing issue. While lifestyle modification is the most effective preventive strategy, it is resource-intensive and not universally sustainable. We review the evidence on pharmacological options for diabetes prevention, in search of a medication that is efficacious, easy to adhere to, well tolerated, and cost-effective. With the exception of metformin, most other drugs have either limited efficacy or costly side effects.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Comorbidity
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / blood
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / diagnosis
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / epidemiology
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / prevention & control*
  • Diet / adverse effects
  • Exercise*
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Metformin / therapeutic use
  • Primary Prevention / methods*
  • Protective Factors
  • Risk Assessment
  • Risk Factors
  • Risk Reduction Behavior*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Hypoglycemic Agents
  • Metformin