A pilot project on the prevention of diabetes identified masses of latent diabetics and took some weight off the scales

June 3, 2008

For the first time it was possible to demonstrate that the prevention of diabetes is possible in practice. Diabetes screening also works for large numbers. The diabetes risk test has become a regular tool. People are aware that they can avoid type 2 diabetes by getting rid or surplus weight and taking exercise.

Such are the tentative findings of the Dehko 2D Project, which lasted more than five years (D2D 2003-2007), initiated by the Finnish national diabetes programme for the prevention of type 2 diabetes. Thus the project is among the biggest in Finnish primary health care ever accomplished and has covered an area of five hospital districts where there live 1.5 million Finns.

- D2D has been a success and its very tentative findings show that a change in lifestyle is possible, also in the public health care routine. It was noted in the analyses that in a group of 2,900 women a weight reduction was achieved over a period of one and a half years which significantly reduced these women’s risk of contracting type 2 diabetes, says the national coordinator of the project, Dr. Timo Saaristo of the Finnish Diabetes Association.

- Only a third of the participants were men, and their weight was reduced, but it was not possible to demonstrate that their risk for diabetes has been reduced.

In spite of the extensive risk testing initiated, symptom-free and unnoticed diabetes continues to be too common.

- For the first time there are indications that the increase in obesity among men may be coming to a halt. Form here it is a long way to a situation in which the twin pandemic of obesity and diabetes is under control. In public health care we need above all effective guidance in lifestyle for men, Dr. Saaristo adds.

The preliminary findings of the D2D Project were published on Tuesday at the 5th World Congress on the Prevention of Diabetes and its complications WCPD 2008 at the Helsinki Fair Centre. The project areas include the hospital districts of Pirkanmaa, South Ostrobothnia, Central Finland, Northern Ostrobothnia and the Hospital District of Northern Savo.

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