Researchers in India studied 427 people with prediabetes (a condition where blood sugar is higher than normal but not yet diabetic) who participated in a one-year online program. The program combined a plant-based diet, exercise, mental health support, and medical care. Nearly half of the participants reversed their prediabetes completely. People who lost more than 10% of their body weight had the best results. Women saw better improvements than men, and people who were overweight benefited more than those at a normal weight. This shows that personalized lifestyle changes can be very effective at preventing diabetes from developing.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether a comprehensive program combining diet, exercise, and mental health support could help people with prediabetes return to normal blood sugar levels
- Who participated: 427 adults aged 18-75 years from India who had prediabetes (blood sugar levels between 5.7-6.4%) and were not taking diabetes medications. They participated in an online program from 2020-2023
- Key finding: 47.1% of participants reversed their prediabetes after one year. Those who lost more than 10% of their body weight were 3.7 times more likely to reverse prediabetes. Women had better results than men, and people who were overweight saw more improvement than those at normal weight
- What it means for you: If you have prediabetes, lifestyle changes—especially losing weight through diet and exercise—may help you avoid developing type 2 diabetes. Results vary by individual factors like sex and current weight, so personalized approaches work best. Talk to your doctor about whether this type of program could help you
The Research Details
This was a retrospective study, meaning researchers looked back at medical records from patients who had already completed a one-year lifestyle program at a clinic in India. The program included personalized plant-based meal plans, physical activity guidance, psychological counseling, and medical oversight. Researchers measured things like weight, blood sugar levels, cholesterol, and blood pressure at the start and end of the program. They used statistical analysis to figure out which factors predicted who would successfully reverse their prediabetes.
The study included 427 people with prediabetes who weren’t yet taking diabetes medications. Participants were between 18 and 75 years old and received the program entirely online. The researchers tracked their progress over 12 months and compared results between men and women, and between people at different weights.
This research approach is important because it shows real-world results from actual patients in India, where prediabetes is very common. By looking at what actually happened to people in a real clinic setting (rather than a controlled lab experiment), researchers can see if these lifestyle programs truly work for the population that needs them most. The study also identified which groups benefit most, helping doctors create better personalized treatment plans
Strengths: The study included a large number of participants (427), tracked them for a full year, and measured multiple health markers. It was conducted in India where prediabetes is a major health problem, making results relevant to that population. Limitations: This was a retrospective study looking at past records rather than a controlled experiment, so we can’t be completely certain the lifestyle program alone caused the improvements. The study didn’t include a control group of people who didn’t do the program. We don’t know how many people started the program but didn’t finish, which could affect the results
What the Results Show
Nearly half of all participants (47.1%) successfully reversed their prediabetes and returned to normal blood sugar levels after one year. Everyone in the program experienced significant improvements: average weight loss was substantial, blood sugar control improved dramatically, cholesterol levels got better, and blood pressure decreased. These improvements were statistically significant, meaning they were large enough to be real and not due to chance.
The most important finding was that people who lost more than 10% of their body weight were much more likely to reverse prediabetes—3.7 times more likely than those who lost less weight. This suggests that weight loss is a key factor in preventing diabetes. Women achieved better weight loss and improvements in body measurements than men in the program. People who were overweight or obese at the start showed greater improvements in blood sugar control and insulin resistance compared to those at normal weight, even though they also had better success rates at reversing prediabetes (49.9% vs 37%).
Beyond reversing prediabetes, participants experienced many other health improvements. Fasting blood glucose (blood sugar when you haven’t eaten) decreased significantly. Insulin resistance improved, meaning their bodies used insulin more efficiently. Cholesterol and triglyceride levels improved, which is important for heart health. Blood pressure also decreased. These improvements suggest the program helped reduce overall disease risk, not just diabetes risk. The study found that the combination of diet, exercise, mental health support, and medical care was more effective than any single approach alone
This study aligns with previous research showing that lifestyle changes can prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. Similar programs in other countries have shown comparable results. However, this study is valuable because it specifically looks at the Indian population, where prediabetes rates are particularly high (15.3%) and where dietary and cultural factors differ from Western populations. The finding that women respond better than men to these interventions is consistent with some previous research but deserves more study. The emphasis on plant-based diets is particularly relevant for India where vegetarian diets are common
The study looked backward at existing medical records rather than randomly assigning people to different programs, so we can’t be completely certain the lifestyle program caused all the improvements. There was no control group of people who didn’t do the program to compare against. We don’t know how many people started the program but quit early, which could mean the results are better than what would happen if everyone completed it. The program was delivered online, which may work better for some people than others. Results may not apply to people outside of India or to different age groups. The study doesn’t tell us how long the improvements last after the program ends
The Bottom Line
If you have prediabetes, consider trying a comprehensive lifestyle program that includes: (1) a plant-based or plant-forward diet, (2) regular physical activity, (3) mental health support or stress management, and (4) medical supervision. Focus especially on losing more than 10% of your body weight if you’re overweight, as this appears to be the strongest predictor of success. Work with your doctor to create a personalized plan based on your individual situation. Confidence level: Moderate to High—nearly half of people in this study reversed prediabetes, and the improvements in multiple health markers were significant
This research is most relevant for people with prediabetes, especially those in India or with similar cultural backgrounds and dietary patterns. It’s also important for people at risk of prediabetes who want to prevent it. Healthcare providers should use these findings to recommend comprehensive lifestyle programs rather than single interventions. People who are overweight or obese with prediabetes may see particularly good results. Women may want to know they tend to respond well to these programs. This research is less directly applicable to people already diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, though similar principles may still help
Based on this study, you can expect to see meaningful improvements within 3-6 months if you’re following the program consistently. The full benefits, including potential reversal of prediabetes, typically appear after 12 months of sustained effort. However, results vary by individual—some people may see changes faster, while others need more time. The key is consistency: the people who lost the most weight and saw the best results were those who stuck with the program throughout the year. Don’t expect overnight changes; think of this as a long-term investment in your health
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track weekly weight loss and aim for losing 1-2 pounds per week. Also monitor fasting blood glucose if you have a home glucose meter—aim to see gradual decreases over weeks and months. Set a goal to lose 10% of your current body weight over 6-12 months, as this appears to be the threshold for best results
- Use the app to log daily meals focusing on plant-based foods (vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes), track 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week, and record mood/stress levels to monitor mental health. Set reminders for meal planning and exercise. Share progress with a healthcare provider or coach through the app for accountability and personalized adjustments
- Check in weekly with weight and activity levels. Monthly, review overall trends in weight loss and energy levels. Every 3 months, if possible, get blood work done (HbA1c, fasting glucose) to track actual blood sugar improvements. Use the app to visualize progress with charts and celebrate milestones like reaching 5% and 10% weight loss targets. Adjust the program if progress stalls for more than 4 weeks
This research describes a specific lifestyle program’s results and should not be considered personal medical advice. Prediabetes management varies by individual based on age, health history, medications, and other factors. Before starting any new diet, exercise program, or health intervention, consult with your doctor or healthcare provider. This is especially important if you have other health conditions, take medications, or have a family history of diabetes. The results from this study may not apply to everyone, and individual outcomes vary. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical guidance.