Lifestyle and/or Pharmacologic Interventions to Delay Onset of Type 2 Diabetes

Thesis (M.Nurs.), College of Nursing, Washington State UniversityType 2 diabetes mellitus is a chronic and burdensome disease that is increasing worldwide. Risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes include elevated fasting plasma glucose concentrations, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle. Pre-diabetes, a phenomenon also known as insulin resistance, is now recognized and accepted as a disease state tllat is potentially reversible. By modifying risk factors with lifestyle interventions, such as a healthy diet and regular exercise, it has been demonstrated that the risk for developing type 2 diabetes can be reduced. Screening high risk patients allows health care providers to evaluate patients' willingness to modify behaviors that put them at increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes. An evidence-based algorithm for assessment and treatment is presented. By emphasizing the benefits of change and addressing the barriers that inhibit change, health care providers can guide patients toward healthier, longer lives without diabetes