What are some of the main medical treatments for prediabetes?

    Last Updated: October 25, 2023

    Lifestyle intervention (i.e., weight loss, exercise, healthy eating, reduction or cessation of alcohol intake) is the cornerstone of prediabetes treatment, but metformin is considered the first-line pharmacological intervention. It’s recommended that metformin be added for people with prediabetes who have a BMI of at least 35, higher glucose levels (e.g., fasting glucose ≥ 110 mg/dL, HbA1c ≥ 6.0%), and/or a history of gestational diabetes.[1] Metformin may also be considered in cases where lifestyle intervention is ineffective.[2] Weight-loss drugs (e.g., semaglutide) are another increasingly popular option to enhance the efficacy of lifestyle intervention.[3][4]

    References

    1. ^American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee3. Prevention or Delay of Type 2 Diabetes and Associated Comorbidities: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes-2022Diabetes Care.(2022 Jan 1)
    2. ^Moin TShould Adults with Prediabetes Be Prescribed Metformin to Prevent Diabetes Mellitus? Yes: High-Quality Evidence Supports Metformin Use in Persons at High Risk.Am Fam Physician.(2019-Aug-01)
    3. ^Handelsman Y, Anderson JE, Bakris GL, Ballantyne CM, Beckman JA, Bhatt DL, Bloomgarden ZT, Bozkurt B, Budoff MJ, Butler J, Dagogo-Jack S, de Boer IH, DeFronzo RA, Eckel RH, Einhorn D, Fonseca VA, Green JB, Grunberger G, Guerin C, Inzucchi SE, Jellinger PS, Kosiborod MN, Kushner P, Lepor N, Mende CW, Michos ED, Plutzky J, Taub PR, Umpierrez GE, Vaduganathan M, Weir MRDCRM Multispecialty Practice Recommendations for the management of diabetes, cardiorenal, and metabolic diseases.J Diabetes Complications.(2022-Feb)
    4. ^Dungan KMA New Bar for Pharmacologic Weight Loss: Type 2 Diabetes Prevention.Diabetes Care.(2022-Oct-01)