For a meta-analysis, researchers compared the effect of different non-surgical diabetes prevention strategies on regression to normoglycemia among people with prediabetes. They systematically searched medical literature for articles published between January 1, 2000 and May 30, 2017 that included randomized controlled trials testing nonsurgical interventions to prevent diabetes or improve glucose tolerance in adults with prediabetes, lasting at least 3 months, and reporting regression to normoglycemia rates. Fifty-one studies (25,440 participants, mean age 54 years, 46% male) were included; of these, 30 study arms tested lifestyle modification (LSM), 15 tested medications (60% glucose sensitizers), and eight tested supplements plus LSM. Compared to control arms (n = 29) at a mean 1.6 years of follow-up, medications achieved the largest regression rates, followed by LSM, medications plus LSM, and supplements. The study team concluded that medications, particularly glucose sensitizers, are the most effective treatments for restoring normal glucose regulation in adults with prediabetes. They also found that LSM is effective both alone and in combination with medications.
