Lifestyle interventions for type 2 diabetes. Relevance for clinical practice.
OBJECTIVE
To review evidence from literature on type 2 diabetes pertinent to physical activity and diet and lifestyle modification, and to determine the relevance of this evidence to clinical practice.


METHODS
Direct (level I) evidence supports interventions for physical activity and diet modification for primary prevention and management of type 2 diabetes. Few studies examine the effectiveness of primary health care providers' making such interventions.


RESULTS
Family physicians have an important role in identifying people at risk of developing type 2 diabetes and managing those diagnosed with the disease, yet they struggle to deliver practice-based interventions that promote sustainable behaviour change among their patients.


CONCLUSIONS
It is evident that supporting patients to make changes in their physical activity and dietary habits can prevent onset of type 2 diabetes. Translating this finding into effective recommendations for clinical practice requires further effort and evaluation.
Harris
Stewart B
SB
Centre for Studies in Family Medicine, University of Western Ontario, London. sharris1@uwo.ca
Petrella
Robert J
RJ
Leadbetter
Wendy
W
D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D004032:Diet; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D015444:Exercise; D005194:Family Practice; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D010809:Physical Fitness; D010819:Physician's Role