Can diet and exercise replace new GLP-1 drugs for diabetes?

Experts suggest that significant improvements in diet and physical activity can yield similar benefits to new GLP-1 drugs for many type 2 diabetes patients, offering a more sustainable and accessible option.

What is the International Diabetes Federation's stance on new diabetes medications?

The International Diabetes Federation acknowledges the effectiveness of new drugs like GLP-1 therapies but emphasizes concerns about their high cost and advocates for equitable access and sustainable solutions like diet and exercise.

Are there new guidelines for physical activity in diabetes care?

Yes, the International Diabetes Federation is developing new guidelines focused on incorporating physical activity into daily life and creating active communities to help prevent and manage non-communicable diseases like diabetes.

Home / Health / Expert Urges Diet, Exercise Over Expensive Diabetes Meds

Expert Urges Diet, Exercise Over Expensive Diabetes Meds

5 Dec

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Summary

New diabetes drugs are highly effective but prohibitively expensive for many.
Lifestyle changes like diet and exercise can yield similar results for type 2 diabetes.
The International Diabetes Federation advocates for accessible, sustainable care options.

Expert Urges Diet, Exercise Over Expensive Diabetes Meds

Revolutionary new weight loss medications for diabetes are on the horizon, but a leading expert is urging a return to fundamental lifestyle choices. Dr. Peter Schwarz, president of the International Diabetes Federation, acknowledges the efficacy of new GLP-1 therapies but raises serious concerns about their exorbitant cost. He asserts that these drugs could escalate diabetes care expenses dramatically, rendering them unsustainable from a public health perspective, especially in developing countries.

Dr. Schwarz champions diet and exercise as powerful tools for managing type 2 diabetes, suggesting that significant improvements in physical activity and adopting fasting practices can achieve results comparable to expensive medications. The International Diabetes Federation is set to release guidelines on various fasting styles for diabetes prevention and treatment in April 2027, alongside a new consensus on physical activity. These initiatives aim to empower individuals and communities with accessible strategies for healthier living.