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Blood glucose

Normal Blood Sugar Level as a Milestone in Type 2 Diabetes Prevention

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A large study in Tubingen has made a groundbreaking discovery: people with prediabetes who improve their blood sugar levels through lifestyle changes, but don't lose weight or even gain weight, still significantly reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Researchers from the University Hospital of Tubingen, Helmholtz Munich, and the German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD) found that patients who normalized their blood sugar levels without weight loss were 71 percent less likely to develop type 2 diabetes over a period of up to 9 years.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study involved over 1100 participants and monitored their development of type 2 diabetes over a period of up to 9 years.
  • Nearly 22 percent of participants who did not lose weight or gained weight despite undergoing lifestyle changes were able to normalize their blood sugar levels.
  • The participants who normalized their blood sugar levels without weight loss were 71 percent less likely to develop type 2 diabetes over the study period.
  • The analysis highlights the importance of including target glycemic values in practice guidelines for type 2 diabetes prevention, rather than relying solely on weight reduction targets.
  • Experts emphasize that a healthy lifestyle, including sufficient physical activity and a balanced diet, is crucial for achieving normal blood sugar levels and reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Statistics:

  • Over 1100 participants were involved in the study, with nearly 22 percent of them normalizing their blood sugar levels without weight loss.
  • The participants who normalized their blood sugar levels without weight loss were 71 percent less likely to develop type 2 diabetes over the study period.
  • More than 460 million people worldwide live with type 2 diabetes, which can lead to serious complications such as cardiovascular disease or cancer.
  • The number of unreported cases of prediabetes is estimated to be significantly higher than current figures, with one in ten adults affected worldwide.

Sources:

  • University Hospital of Tubingen
  • Helmholtz Munich
  • German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD)
  • NewsRx report dated 2025 OCT 13

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