The Lancet reports on a 10-year follow-up study of the Diabetes Prevention Program Research Group, which showed dieting and exercise can keep diabetes at bay more effectively than the prescription drug metformin.

Researchers followed  approximately 3000 overweight people who were divided into 3 groups and assigned either a diet and exercise program, metformin, or a placebo.  After 10 years, the participants taking metformin saw an 18% reduction in their rate of developing diabetes, compared with those taking a placebo.  The participants who made lifestyle changes (diet and exercise), reduced their risk of developing diabetes by 34% compared with those taking a placebo.