Last updated June 3, 2026
Key finding
A pooled analysis of three European trials confirms that lifestyle intervention reduces type 2 diabetes risk by 57%, and that sustained weight loss of 5% or more is a strong predictor of prevention.
This study combined data from three European trials of lifestyle programmes for people with prediabetes. The lifestyle programme cut diabetes risk by 57% overall, and those who lost 5% or more of their body weight in the first year had a 65% lower risk. Keeping the weight off for longer led to even greater protection.
Quick read
The essential study design details in one scan.
EvidenceScore™
High
Study type
Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs)
Follow-up
Long-Term (> 12 mo)
Risk of bias
Low Risk
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Plain-language summary
A plain-language read of the study’s main message and where it applies.
Study focus
A pooled analysis of three European trials confirms that lifestyle intervention reduces type 2 diabetes risk by 57%, and that sustained weight loss of 5% or more is a strong predictor of prevention.
Published in
Publication details and source links for this paper.
Penn L, White M, Lindström J, et al. Importance of weight loss maintenance and risk prediction in the prevention of type 2 diabetes: analysis of European Diabetes Prevention Study RCT. PLoS ONE. 2013;8(2):e57143. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0057143
↓ T2D incidence by 57% in lifestyle intervention vs control (HR 0.42, 95% CI 0.29–0.60, p<0.001)
↓ T2D incidence by 65% in those with ≥5% weight loss at 1 year (HR 0.35, 95% CI 0.22–0.56, p<0.001)
Sustained ≥5% weight loss at 2–3 years associated with further risk reduction
Evidence network
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This study contributes evidence to Lifestyle intervention for prediabetes and Body weight, Type 2 diabetes incidence.
This study contributes evidence to
Primary intervention
Lifestyle intervention for prediabetes
Primary outcomes
Evidence topics
Primary intervention
Primary outcomes
Intervention and outcome relationships this study adds to the evidence network.
Editorial context
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Evidence network role
This section describes how the study fits into the current evidence network. It does not determine whether an intervention works on its own.
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Evidence pairs
329
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Contributes evidence
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Contributes evidence
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Primary evidence
Evidence topic
matched_intervention_and_outcome
Related evidence
Evidence topic
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Core evidence
The primary outcomes reported in this study.
Lifestyle intervention for prediabetes → Body weight
Lifestyle intervention for prediabetes → Body weight
Lifestyle intervention for prediabetes → Type 2 diabetes incidence
Lifestyle intervention for prediabetes → Type 2 diabetes incidence
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Adults with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) / prediabetes aged ~40–70 years
The pooled analysis combines three trials with similar but not identical protocols — some variation in delivery and setting exists
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Relationships organized using the Dediabetes Evidence Intelligence™ framework.
Generated from the study's connected evidence using Evidence Intelligence™.
Lifestyle intervention for prediabetes may improve Body weight.
ConsistencyScore™: Results are consistent across studies.
Ranked evidence signals
Body weight
EvidenceScore™ Strong | EvidenceScore™ 82.8 | weak positive | ConsistencyScore™ Consistent | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
Lifestyle intervention for prediabetes may improve Type 2 diabetes incidence.
ConsistencyScore™: Results are generally consistent across studies.
Ranked evidence signals
Type 2 diabetes incidence
EvidenceScore™ Strong | EvidenceScore™ 79.0 | weak positive | ConsistencyScore™ Generally Consistent | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
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