Drug may cut risk of diabetes

The largest diabetes prevention study ever done has found that a drug already used to treat the disease also can help keep “pre-diabetics” from developing it. But many experts say that losing weight and exercising remain a safer, cheaper approach.

The drug, rosiglitazone, or Avandia, appeared to cut the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by more than half, doctors reported Friday. Type 2 is the most common form of diabetes; afflicts more than 200 million people worldwide.

Avandia also helped restore normal blood-sugar function in many of those who took it.

The research was long-awaited, and the results at first glance seem impressive. However, experts say it is difficult to determine how much of the improvement was due to Avandia, because study volunteers also were regularly counseled about healthy diets and lifestyles.