What is the significance of excess body fat in the patient with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus?
How can weight reduction be achieved and maintained? • What are the appropriate components of the dietary prescription for patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus? • What are the benefits and risks of exercise in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus? How should exercise be prescribed? • What is the evidence that weight control, diet, and/or exercise can prevent non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus? • What are the directions for future research? What Is the Significance of Excess Body Fat in the Patient With Noninsulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus? How Can Weight Reduction Be Achieved and Maintained? There is strong evidence that NIDDM is genetically determined. Based on considerable epidemiologic data, it is apparent that obesity and aging promote the development of the disease in susceptible individuals. The prevalence of the disease increases steadily from the fourth decade. Individuals who are 20 to 30 percent overweight are clearly at an increased r
