OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of a lifestyle intervention to produce weight loss and increased physical fitness on use and cost of medications to treat cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in people with type 2 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Look AHEAD is a multicenter randomized controlled trial of 5,145 overweight or obese individuals with type 2 diabetes, aged 45 to 76 years. An intensive lifestyle intervention (ILI) involving group and individual meetings to achieve and maintain weight loss through decreased caloric intake and increased physical activity was compared with a diabetes support and education (DSE) condition. Medications prescribed to treat diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia were compared at baseline and 1 year. Medication costs were conservatively estimated using prices from a national online pharmacy. RESULTS: Participants randomized to an ILI had significantly greater improvements in CVD risk parameters and reduced medication use and cost compared with those assigned to DSE. At 1 year, average number of medications prescribed to treat CVD risk factors was 3.1 +/- 1.8 for the ILI group and 3.6 +/- 1.8 for the DSE group (p < 0.0001), with estimated total monthly medication costs of $143 and $173, respectively (p < 0.0001). DSE participants meeting optimal care goals at 1 year were taking an average of 3.8 +/- 1.6 medications at an estimated cost of $194/month. ILI participants at optimal care required fewer medications (3.2 +/- 1.7) at lower cost ($154/month) (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: At 1 year, ILI significantly improved CVD risk factors, while at the same time reduced medication use and cost. Continued intervention and follow-up will determine whether these changes are maintained and reduce cardiovascular risk.
Copyright American Diabetes Association. Reprinted with permission from The American Diabetes Association.

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