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Prediabetes: Progression to type 2 diabetes

After 3 years, about 14 out of 100 people who made major lifestyle changes got type 2 diabetes. Compare that to about 22 out of 100 people who took metformin and about 29 out of 100 people who took a placebo pill and got type 2 diabetes. After 10 years, about 27 out of 100 people who made major lifestyle changes got type 2 diabetes. Compare that to about 42 out of 100 people who took metformin and about 52 out of 100 people who took a placebo pill and got type 2 diabetes. After 15 years, about 55 out of 100 people who made major lifestyle changes got type 2 diabetes. Compare that to about 56 out of 100 people who took metformin and about 62 out of 100 people who took a placebo pill and got type 2 diabetes.

Making major lifestyle changes or taking metformin both work better than a placebo pill at delaying or preventing type 2 diabetes. For many people, making major lifestyle changes works better than taking metformin to help delay or prevent type 2 diabetes for up to 10 years. A follow-up study at 15 years showed that making major lifestyle changes was about equal to taking metformin in helping to delay or prevent type 2 diabetes. But doing both of these things may give you the best chance of delaying or preventing type 2 diabetes over the long term.

The information shown here is based on the best available evidence.

Current as of: May 1, 2025

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: May 1, 2025

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

© 2024-2026 Ignite Healthwise, LLC.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

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