Lifestyle and Pharmacotherapy for Weight Loss in Preventing or Delaying Diabetes

Abstract

Preventing or delaying the conversion of prediabetes to overt diabetes can reduce mortality and morbidity rates, improve health-related quality of life, and reduce other comorbid complications associated with diabetes. Studies have shown that a modest weight loss is one strategy for preventing or delaying diabetes diagnosis. First-line therapy in preventing progression of prediabetes to overt diabetes is weight loss through lifestyle modifications; however, pharmacotherapy for weight loss may be initiated if lifestyle alone is ineffective. The purpose of this article is to describe the pharmacotherapeuptic options for weight loss that can be used in conjunction with lifestyle in the prevention or delay of diabetes in patients with prediabetes.