Making major lifestyle changes or taking metformin both work better than a placebo pill at delaying or preventing type 2 diabetes. For many people, making major lifestyle changes works better than taking metformin to help delay or prevent type 2 diabetes for up to 10 years. A follow-up study at 15 years showed that making major lifestyle changes was about equal to taking metformin in helping to delay or prevent type 2 diabetes. But doing both of these things may give you the best chance of delaying or preventing type 2 diabetes over the long term.
            The information shown here is based on the best available evidence.
           
          
            
            
            
              
                
                  Current as of:  July 7, 2025
               
              
                
                  Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
               
             
           
         
        
          
            
              Current as of: July 7, 2025