In August 2001 the findings of the Diabetes Prevention Program were reported. It was a large study, funded by the National Institutes of Health. The program selected people who were at high risk of developing diabetes, but did not have the disease.
The purpose of the investigation was to determine the effect of an intensive diet and exercise program on the development of diabetes. This would be compared to a group that was given metformin.
The results were so clearcut that the study was terminated a year early. The diet and exercise group reduced its risk of developing diahetes by 58 percent. The group on metformin reduced its risk of developing diabetes by almost 30 percent.