Lifestyle changes such as increasing physical activity and
eating an improved diet are often touted as some of the most
effective ways to manage blood glucose levels. Now a new study
has rounded up even more evidence that supports making these
adjustments: According to members of the Look AHEAD (Action for
Health in Diabetes) research group, intensive lifestyle
intervention can reduce cardiovascular risk factors in people
with Type 2 diabetes over the long term. Heart disease is the
leading cause of death for people with Type 2 diabetes. Look
AHEAD, a multicenter, randomized clinical trial, compared the
effects of intensive lifestyle intervention to diabetes support
and education on cardiovascular events in over 5,000 overweight
or obese people with Type 2 diabetes. Lifestyle intervention
consisted of dietary modification and physical activity
recommendations reinforced with individual or group visits on a
weekly basis for the first six months of the study, three times
a month for the second six months, and a