Many people think that prediabetes only increases the risk of diabetes — but it can actually affect much more than blood sugar. A new lifestyle clinical trial supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that adults with prediabetes who participated in an intensive lifestyle intervention program developed fewer chronic diseases over time than those who received a placebo. The findings also highlight why participating in a lifestyle clinical trial can help improve care for future generations.
In the study, researchers followed more than 3,000 adults with prediabetes who enrolled in the original Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP). Participants were assigned to one of three groups: an intensive lifestyle intervention, metformin (a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes), or a placebo (no intervention or metformin).
The researchers tracked participants’ health for more than 20 years. They found that those in the lifestyle intervention group were less likely to develop multiple chronic conditions than those in the placebo group.
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Prediabetes isn’t just about having a higher risk of getting type 2 diabetes. If left unmanaged, prediabetes increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Over time, diabetes can lead to serious health complications, including:
By preventing one disease, you can also lower your risk of developing several others.
Research shows that Black adults are 77 percent more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than white adults. They also experience higher rates of high blood pressure, heart disease, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and stroke.
Preventing diabetes early may help reduce the burden of multiple chronic conditions. Lifestyle programs are most effective when they are culturally relevant, affordable, and accessible to the communities they are designed to serve.
With the support of your healthcare provider, you can make lifestyle changes that can help reverse prediabetes and prevent future complications.
When you hear the words “clinical trial,” you might picture researchers testing a new medication in a hospital — but not all medical research looks like this. Many trials evaluate nutrition, exercise, coaching, education, or prevention programs — not just drugs.
Long-term studies like this one help researchers understand which interventions and treatments are effective over several decades. If it weren’t for volunteer participants, discoveries like these wouldn’t be possible, which is why it’s so important to consider joining one.
Clinical trials aren’t just about treatment — they aim to prevent chronic conditions, too.
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Absolutely. Lifestyle clinical trials regularly recruit volunteers, and many researchers are working to improve Black representation in medical research because Black communities have historically been underrepresented in clinical trials.
Some clinical trials can involve:
Please note that every study will be different. You’ll need to meet certain eligibility requirements and give informed consent. Before participating in any trial, researchers should explain the risks and benefits, giving you the choice to decide if you want to enroll. And even after you join, you can decide to withdraw at any time if you’re feeling uncomfortable, are experiencing side effects, or just no longer want to participate.
The NIH clinical trial shows that healthy lifestyle habits can have benefits that last for decades. It also reminds us that every medical breakthrough starts with people volunteering in research. If you have prediabetes — or simply want to improve your long-term health — learning about clinical trials could be another way to take an active role in your care. Visit BlackDoctor’s Clinical Trials Resource Center to explore studies and learn what participation involves.
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