To evaluate the effect of a 3-year diet- and exercise lifestyle intervention, based on general public health recommendations, on glucose tolerance, insulin resistance and metabolic cardiovascular risk factors in Dutch subjects with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT).

Objective To evaluate the effect of a 3-year diet- and exercise lifestyle intervention, based on general public health recommendations, on glucose tolerance, insulin resistance and metabolic cardiovascular risk factors in Dutch subjects with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT).

Research design and methods 147 IGT subjects (75 male, 72 female) were randomized to the intervention group (INT) or control group (CON). 106 subjects (52 INT, 54 CON) completed 3 years of intervention. Annually, glucose, insulin and FFA concentrations were determined during fasting and after an oral glucose tolerance test, in addition to measurements of body weight, serum lipids, blood pressure and maximal aerobic capacity.

Inclusion Criteria:

• caucasion,age 40-70, mean 2hr glucose 7.8-12.5 mmol/l, mean fasting blood glucose below 7.8

Exclusion Criteria:

• known type 2 diabetes, mean 2hr glucose >12.5 mmol/l, mean fasting blood glucose > 7.8 mmol/l, chronic illness that makes 5-year survival improbable, interferes with glucose tolerance or makes participation in a lifestyle intervention impossible, medication known to interfere with glucose tolerance, participation in a vigorous exercise and/or diet program