Diabetes Management: Intensive Lifestyle Interventions for Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

The Community Preventive Services Task Force recommends intensive lifestyle interventions for patients with type 2 diabetes based on sufficient evidence of effectiveness in improving glycemic control and reducing risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The largest and longest trial to date provided intensive individual and group counseling and extended interpersonal support for dietary modification, regular physical activity, and weight management.

During intensive lifestyle interventions patients with type 2 diabetes receive counseling and support to help them change their diet or level of physical activity. Programs must provide ongoing counseling, coaching, or individualized guidance on dietary modifications, regular exercise, or both. Patients must interact with program staff multiple times over a period of six months or longer. Dietary modification components may include tailored advice on dietary changes or meal substitutions. Physical activity components may include structured and personalized guidance, or supervised exercise training. Programs may have weight loss goals or include additional components related to weight loss or maintenance.

Read the full Task Force Finding and Rationale Statement [PDF - 603 kB] for details including implementation issues, possible added benefits, potential harms, and evidence gaps.