Diabetes prevention programs.

Primary prevention of type 2 diabetes is effective for curbing its epidemic. Lifestyle intervention has been found to be a highly effective, safe, and cost-effective method for the prevention of diabetes in high-risk persons, the benefit of which can extend for many years. Among the pharmacologic agents studied for prevention of diabetes, metformin has been found to be the safest. Interventions using drugs are less preferred because the drugs' effects tend to dissipate after their use is stopped and adverse effects may also result. The major challenge is to translate current knowledge into prevention programs at the national level.