Nutrition

Lifestyle Medicine

A medical specialty using therapeutic lifestyle interventions to treat and prevent chronic conditions.

Chronic Disease

disease that persists over time; requires ongoing medical attention; limits daily activities

Six Pillars of Lifestyle Medicine

Healthy eating, physical activity, managing stress, healthy relationships, quality sleep, avoiding substances

Diabetes Prevention Program (2002) Key Finding

Intensive lifestyle intervention reduced progression to type 2 diabetes by 58% vs. placebo; metformin reduced it by 31%

EPIC-Potsdam (2009) Key Finding

Four healthy lifestyle factors were associated with a 78% lower risk of chronic disease

Lifestyle Heart Trial (1990) Key Finding

Intensive lifestyle intervention demonstrated regression of coronary atherosclerosis.

Hambrecht et al. (2004) Key Finding

Exercise produced better 12-month event-free survival than PCI in stable coronary disease.

Type 2 Diabetes: Remission vs. Reversal

intensive weight-management interventions show that remission is possible for some patients

reversal vs. remission

precise clinical term is remission

prediabetes

blood sugar higher than normal but not yet diabetes - window where diet and activity can help

type 2 diabetes

blood glucose remains elevated because the body becomes less responsive to insulin and/or does not produce enough insulin to meet its needs

Metabolic Syndrome Components

Large waist, high blood sugar, high triglycerides, low HDL, and high blood pressure.

Dyslipidemia

Unhealthy levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood.

Adult Sleep Recommendation

Generally 7 to 9 hours of restorative sleep per night.

Physical Activity Guidelines for Adults

150 minutes of moderate activity weekly and strength training at least 2 days.

Practical Processed Foods (Examples)

Frozen vegetables, canned beans, plain yogurt, and whole-grain bread.

Screen -> Refer -> Nourish

The clinical pathway: notice risk, activate team expertise, and connect to feasible care.

SMART Goal

A behavior-change goal that is Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

Nutrition Conversation Flow

Ask, Explore, Reflect, Offer (with permission), and Connect.

Type 2 Diabetes Risk Factors

genetics, family history, age, adiposity and weight trajectory, dietary pattern, sleep, social and environmental conditions, physical activity

Whole grains

keep the bran and germ; generally provide more fiber and micronutrients than refined grains

Fiber

support satiety, glycemic control, bowel function, and cholesterol management