Reduction in the incidence of type 2 diabetes with lifestyle intervention or metformin.
Knowler WC, Barrett-Connor E, Fowler SE, Hamman RF, Lachin JM, Walker EAet al.
New England Journal of Medicine · 2002; 346(6):393-403
This study evaluates Intensive lifestyle program (low-calorie low-fat diet plus at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week aiming for 7% weight loss) or metformin 850 mg twice daily, each compared with placebo pills. in relation to New cases of type 2 diabetes.
Evidence-Based Research: Metformin Dpp Outcomes
Key facts at a glance
- DOI
- 10.1056/nejmoa012512
- PMID
- 11832527
- PMC
- PMC1370926
- Journal
- New England Journal of Medicine
- Year
- 2002
- Volume
- 346
- Issue
- 6
- Pages
- 393-403
- Study type
- rct
- Evidence level
- Ib
- Sample size
- 3234
- Intervention
- Intensive lifestyle program (low-calorie low-fat diet plus at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week aiming for 7% weight loss) or metformin 850 mg twice daily, each compared with placebo pills.
- Primary outcome
- New cases of type 2 diabetes
- Follow-up
- 2.8 years average
- Funding
- NIH
- Effect size
- Lifestyle reduced diabetes risk by 58% (95% CI 48-66%); metformin reduced it by 31% (95% CI 17-43%) vs placebo
- Registration
- NCT00004992
- Open access
- true
Study Overview
This study examined the effects of Intensive lifestyle program (low-calorie low-fat diet plus at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week aiming for 7% weight loss) or metformin 850 mg twice daily, each compared with placebo pills. on New cases of type 2 diabetes.
Key Findings
The results suggest the intervention has potential clinical benefits.
Clinical Conclusions
See original publication.
Abstract
"This randomized controlled trial enrolled 3,234 participants, investigating the effects of Intensive lifestyle program (low-calorie low-fat diet plus at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week aiming for 7% weight loss) or metformin 850 mg twice daily, each compared with placebo pills. on New cases of type 2 diabetes.
Funding & conflicts of interest
Funding: NIH
COI: None reported
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Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 22, 2026. · Read our editorial policy